Reviewing unsolved cases: The importance of external factors in prioritising and progressing cases
Research Institution / Organisation
University of Huddersfield
Principal Researcher
Kirsty Bennett
Level of Research
PhD
Project Start Date
January 2018
Research Context
The primary aim of this project is to determine the review
processes that officers follow when dealing with unsolved cases, including
murders, missing persons, and unidentified remains.
After identifying the
review process, specific focus is afforded to the external factors that may
affect how cases are prioritised and subsequently progressed, where possible. This project will specifically explore the importance of forensic evidence, the victim’s
background, and the role of the media in renewing interest in unsolved cases.
The end result of this project is to determine the viability of a
policy/guidance document to aid the review process.
Research Methodology
This research is utilising several stages of data collection:
- Freedom of Information
requests, to identify the prevalence of unsolved cases, determining the
number of dedicated units for unsolved cases, and the staffing levels on
these teams. This stage is now complete.
- Observations with units who
review unsolved cases. Observations are currently being conducted with one
force in England as they undertake reviews of unsolved cases, and those
being prepared for progression to prosecution.
- Interviews with investigators
who have experience in working murder cases, but more specifically, those
who have reviewed unsolved cases.
Interim reports and publications
Date due for completion
July 2021
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