COLD CASE SPECIALIST (ON-CALL)

Polk-County,-Ia; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Polk County, IA is seeking a detail‑oriented investigator to conduct in-depth reviews of unresolved felony cases, compile analytical reports, and support case development with forensic and digital evidence analysis.

The role requires collaboration with prosecutors and law enforcement, with responsibilities including witness locating, evidence tracking, and maintaining organized investigative files.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field.
• Minimum three years of experience in criminal investigations or related fields.
• Ability to conduct comprehensive historical reviews and prepare analytical materials.

Responsibilities

• Review unresolved felony investigations and identify investigative opportunities.
• Research and analyze information using criminal justice databases and open sources.
• Develop timelines, case summaries, and analytical reports for case development.
• Coordinate evidence submission and advanced forensic testing as needed.
• Collaborate with detectives, prosecutors, and laboratories to maintain case integrity.
• Maintain organized files and prepare reports for prosecutorial review.

Skills

Criminal investigations

Evidence management

Forensic science

Digital forensics

Case analysis

Interagency coordination

written reports

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice

Three years of investigations experience

Tools

Criminal justice databases

Public records research

Open-source intelligence

DNA technology basics

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.