Cold Case Submission Criteria

Our mission is to support law enforcement agencies in Monterey County by providing funding for the investigation of unsolved cases. Through financial assistance, we aim to advance investigations, identify offenders, and help bring justice to victims and their families.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for funding, the following conditions must be met:

1. Jurisdiction – The case must be under the jurisdiction of a law enforcement agency in Monterey County.

2. Cold Case Definition – The case must be classified as a cold case, meaning all active and reasonable leads have been exhausted.

3. Purpose – Funds may be used for forensic testing, including but not limited to DNA analysis, advanced fingerprint examination, Investigative Forensic Genealogy, etc. On a case-by-case basis, funds may also be used for other investigative purposes/needs.

4. Cases – The criminal investigation must fall under one or more of the following categories: Murder, Sexual Assault, Long-Term Missing Persons, or Unidentified Human Remains. Sexual Assault is any felony sexual assault, including, but not limited to: rape and sodomy.

5. Exclusions – Funding will not cover salaries, overtime, or administrative costs for law enforcement agencies.

Application Process

1. Case Presentation – The requesting agency must present a summary of the case, as well as anticipated funding needs to the Cold Case Project’s “Cold Case Review Panel”, which consists of current and retired law enforcement professionals. If applicable, quotes for specific funding requests should be included with a summary of each case. See: Application button below.

2. Panel Evaluation – The panel will assess the case’s viability and determine if funding should be granted. This review will then be forwarded to the Board of Directors.

3. Approval & Funding – Upon approval by the Board of Directors, funds will be distributed directly to the agency, designated forensic lab, or other approved entity.

Reporting Requirements

• Agencies that receive funding must provide a follow-up report on the status and results of the testing.

• Any significant investigative developments resulting from the funded testing, or investigative work, should be shared with the Cold Case Review Panel, as appropriate, with the understanding that ongoing criminal investigations are sensitive in nature and the relaying of results should not override the sensitivity of a given investigation.

The Cold Case Project will not publicly promote or publish any information related to an active cold case without the permission of the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction of that case.

Ethical & Legal Compliance

• All forensic testing and/or investigative work must comply with applicable laws, chain-of-custody procedures, and best practices.

• The requesting agency is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the investigation.

To submit a case for review, please fill out the form by pressing the button below.