COLD CASE SPECIALIST (ON-CALL)

Polk County; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Polk County is seeking a dedicated investigator to conduct research, case analysis, and project coordination on unresolved felony investigations. You will review historical files, prepare analytical reports, timelines, and case summaries, and coordinate advanced forensic testing.

You will collaborate with prosecutors, detectives, and forensic laboratories to support case development, maintain case integrity, and identify investigative opportunities using DNA, genealogy, and digital forensics

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice or related field and 3 years of investigative experience.
• Knowledge of criminal justice databases, forensic science, and investigative technology.
• Ability to prepare clear, professional written reports and summaries.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive reviews of unresolved felony investigations and identify opportunities.
• Research and analyze investigative information from multiple sources to support case development.
• Develop timelines, case summaries, and analytical reports for ongoing and cold cases.
• Coordinate submission and tracking of evidence for forensic testing, including DNA and digital forensics.
• Collaborate with detectives, prosecutors, laboratories, and partner agencies to maintain case integrity.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Clear written communication

Objective review

Testimony preparedness

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice

Tools

Criminal justice databases

Public records research

Forensic science knowledge

DNA analysis knowledge

Job description

Under general supervision, performs investigative research, case analysis, and project coordination involving unresolved major felony criminal investigations. Conducts comprehensive reviews of historical files, prepares analytical reports and case summaries, identifies investigative opportunities, coordinates forensic testing, and collaborates with prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, and law enforcement adjacent professionals.

1. Conducts comprehensive reviews of unresolved adult and juvenile felony investigations; examines reports, witness statements, photographs, forensic analyses, digital evidence, and other investigative materials to identify potential investigative opportunities.
2. Researches, verifies, and analyzes investigative information using criminal justice databases, public records, open-source intelligence, genealogy resources, and social media when appropriate to support case development.
3. Develops investigative timelines, case summaries, analytical reports, and recommendations to support ongoing and cold case investigations.
4. Identifies and prioritizes new investigative opportunities by applying advances in forensic science, DNA technology, investigative genealogy, digital forensics, and other emerging methodologies.
5. Coordinates the submission, tracking, and follow-up of evidence for advanced forensic testing, including DNA analysis, latent fingerprint examination, digital forensic examination, and investigative genealogy.
6. Collaborates with detectives, prosecutors, forensic laboratories, and partner criminal justice agencies to support information sharing, clarify investigative needs, and maintain case integrity.
7. Assists in locating and re-contacting witnesses, victims, family members, and other individuals relevant to investigative progress.
8. Maintains organized investigative files, documentation, research records, and statistical data; prepares investigative materials and reports for prosecutorial review and administrative use.
9. Performs related duties as required.

• Knowledge of criminal investigative principles, evidence management, and investigative documentation.
• Knowledge of criminal justice data bases, public records research, forensic science, and investigative technology.
• Knowledge of homicide investigations and major case management principles.
• Knowledge of DNA analysis, CODIS, forensic genealogy, and current forensic technologies.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques used in gathering physical evidence.
• Knowledge of cold case investigative methodologies, including historical case reconstruction and long-term preservation standards.
• Knowledge of interagency investigative protocols, including information-sharing procedures, chain-of-custody requirements, and multi-jurisdictional coordination.
• Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures.
• Skill in analyzing complex and incomplete investigative information to identify potential investigative opportunities.
• Skill in interpreting forensic reports and integrating findings into investigative decision-making.
• Skill in organizing multi-source information into coherent investigative summaries.
• Ability to research, organize, and analyze large volumes of investigative information.
• Ability to evaluate historical investigative techniques against current best practices.
• Ability to maintain objectivity while reviewing complex investigations.
• Ability to prepare clear and professional written reports and analytical summaries of investigative findings.
• Ability to identify patterns, inconsistencies, and investigative opportunities through detailed case review.
• Ability to testify regarding investigative findings if required.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and in compliance with legal and departmental standards.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with governmental officials, employees, and the general public, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.

• Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice, or related field, and
• Three years of experience in criminal investigations, intelligence analysis, forensic science, digital forensics, or related field, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirements:

• A criminal background check is required.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
• A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required.
• IOWA (Iowa On-Line Warrants and Articles)/NCIC (National Crime Information Center) certification is required within six months of hire.

*This position is on-call status and is not benefits eligible. Hours/shifts assigned may vary.