Advancing Cold Case Investigations Through Training, Education, and Collaboration

Last week, Resolve Forensics Manager of Client Advocacy & Training, Jen Spears spent the week in Virginia Beach, Virginia, working with investigators from the Virginia Beach Police Department and surrounding agencies as part of an Advanced Homicide and Cold Case Investigations training program through her company, Cold 2 Cuffs Training & Consulting.

The week began with hands-on case reviews and investigative strategy discussions alongside retired Massachusetts State Police Lieutenant Brian Tully before transitioning into a multi-day training program focused on homicide investigations, cold case investigations, investigative strategy, and emerging investigative technologies.

Those discussions quickly demonstrated why this kind of training matters. One case reviewed during the week now has a viable investigative path forward as a direct result of the collaboration that took place.

When experienced investigators, subject matter experts, and forensic scientists come together to evaluate real cases, new opportunities emerge. Sometimes that means looking at an old case through a different lens. Sometimes it means revisiting evidence. Sometimes it means identifying a new forensic pathway that had not previously been considered.

Throughout the week, investigators explored a variety of topics ranging from homicide case development and cold case strategy to digital evidence and modern forensic techniques. One area of discussion included Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) and forensic sequencing, helping investigators better understand where these technologies fit within the broader investigative process.

As powerful as these tools can be, they are still just that.. tools. Understanding when they can help, when they cannot, and how to integrate them into a larger investigative strategy is critical to achieving successful outcomes.

For many agencies, the challenge is not a lack of commitment or effort. It is keeping pace with rapidly evolving technology while balancing limited resources, staffing, and growing caseloads. Training opportunities that bring investigators, forensic scientists, and experienced practitioners together help bridge that gap and ensure agencies can make informed decisions when evaluating difficult cases.

At Resolve Forensics, we believe education, training, and collaboration are every bit as important as the science itself. Long before a sample is sequenced or a genealogy search begins, investigators need trusted resources who can help evaluate a case, understand available options, and make informed decisions.

We are proud to have Jen on the Resolve team and grateful for the opportunity she continues to have teaching and supporting agencies across the country. We are also honored to support her passion for education and collaboration in these investigations.

We would also like to thank the Virginia Beach Police Department and everyone who participated in the training for the opportunity to be part of these discussions.

If your agency is interested in advanced homicide investigations, cold case investigations, FIGG education, case review workshops, or forensic sequencing consultation, we encourage you to reach out to Jen Spears (Jen@Resolveforensics.com) Helping agencies develop practical strategies for solving difficult cases is something she is deeply passionate about, and we would welcome the opportunity to continue the conversation.