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While unsolved homicides and missing persons cases fuel drama on primetime television and countless podcasts, a real backlog of case files exists—in Michigan and across the country. That's where the Cold Case Program with Michigan State Police steps in.

Dubbed the Scooby Doo Crew by the Today Show's Al Roker, students in the Cold Case Program dive headfirst into the criminal investigation process. Working alongside detectives on unsolved homicide and missing persons cases, students get intensive training in investigative techniques and simultaneously put those skills to work in an effort to help find justice for victims and their family members. They emerge from the program career-ready and on the fast track to a job in law enforcement.

Shaping the next generation of law enforcement

Students in the Cold Case Program aren't just studying books, they're studying state case files and working alongside seasoned detectives to hypothesize whodunnit. At the same time, they're exploring future career paths while collaborating with detectives, forensic experts, analysts and other law enforcement officials, racking up resume-worthy experiences that open doors to jobs in the FBI, U.S. Secret Service, State Department, immigration, state police, prosecutor's offices and medical examiner's offices, among many other opportunities.  

Meeting a need                                          

According to , there are more than 20,000 unsolved homicides in Michigan. Investigations are extremely labor-intensive for detectives in departments, and Western students are able to dramatically ramp up efforts. The Cold Case Program contributes an average of 7,200 hours of work per semester analyzing, digitizing and organizing thousands of case files. MSP recognized the impact, launching a program in 2023 that employs members of the Cold Case Program as state police cadets and student assistants—paying them for their work while also providing valuable career advancement opportunities.                                                                   

A force for public good

The work of the Cold Case Program gives new hope to the families of homicide victims who in some cases have been waiting decades for answers. Already, students have helped detectives identify suspects in the murders of Roxanne Wood and Cathy Swartz, whose cases had remained unsolved for almost 40 years. The program shines a light on innovative investigation techniques, increases recruitment for Michigan law enforcement and demonstrates the impact such a collaboration between a public university and law enforcement agency can have on the public good. 

"The Cold Case Program has already shown that motivated, passionate students can achieve incredible results," says MSP Detective First Lieutenant Chuck Christensen.