Cold Case Investigations Symposium

Itinerary

This symposium brings together investigators, detectives, forensic practitioners, and prosecutors for advanced training focused on effective investigative strategies, modern forensic applications, and purposeful interagency collaboration. Participants will engage in sessions that mirror real-world cold case work, including investigative failures, crime scene considerations, modern DNA, digital forensics, legal aspects of cold cases, and case-based presentations. Attendance alongside experienced professionals provides valuable exposure to current investigative practices, operational challenges, and collaborative approaches that strengthen cold case efforts across the state.

The following is a tentative schedule and is subject to change at any time. Updates to the schedule will be posted here as they are made.

Tuesday, July 21st, 2026
Opening Remarks

Introduction to Cold Case Investigations

Investigative Failures

Solving Cold Cases with Forensic Genetic Genealogy: Methods, Funding, and Resources

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026

Crime Scenes with Cold Cases in Mind

Digital Forensics

GBI Crime Lab Services: Cold Cases

Seeing it Through: Finding Justice for Tara Baker

Thursday, July 23rd, 2026

Legal Issues Related to Cold Cases in the Courts

Investigative Strategies

Criminal Profiling and Investigative Analysis

Closing Remarks

Georgia P.O.S.T. Credit Hours

Attendees are eligible for 22 hours of P.O.S.T. Credit.

Session Highlights

Audience

Law enforcement investigators, detectives, forensic practitioners, crime scene specialists, prosecutors, and agency leadership.

Focus Areas

Strategies for solving long‑standing unsolved cases
Forensic science advancements and emerging technologies
Enhancing interagency communication and teamwork
Case studies and expert‑led presentations

Why Participate?

Gain practical insight into investigative strategies, forensic advancements, and analytical approaches applicable to unresolved cases.
Examine investigative failures, successful case strategies, and detailed case presentations led by experienced professionals.
Stay current on modern DNA, digital forensics, crime scene considerations, and effective collaboration with crime laboratories.
Understand legal aspects unique to cold cases, including evidentiary issues and courtroom considerations.
Learn about grant funding opportunities and resources available to support cold case investigations.
Network with investigators, forensic practitioners, and prosecutors to strengthen partnerships across jurisdictions.
Engage in advanced training designed to improve investigative effectiveness and long-term case outcomes.

Criminal Investigative Failures

This session examines common failures in the criminal investigative process and the serious consequences that can result, including wrongful convictions and unsolved crimes. Participants will explore how investigative errors often stem from subtle hazards such as psychological bias, faulty assumptions, probability errors, tunnel vision, and organizational pressures that shift an investigation too quickly from suspect identification to guilt verification. Through case studies and practical discussion, attendees will learn to recognize investigative traps, understand the distinction between suspect identification and case building, and identify strategies to reduce error through awareness, supervision, and proper procedures.

Dr. Kim Rossmo

Texas State University