The True Cost of Cold Cases

It is estimated, based on the FBI's Uniform Crime Report, that there are 250,000 unsolved murder cases in the US. This number increases by about 6,000 every year. This is referred to as The Crisis of Cold Cases for numerus reasons:

1. The increase in cold cases leads to mounting case loads for law enforcement offices and continuously drains their already limited resources.

2. The increasing number of cases increases the overall operating costs of departments.

3. Unsolved cases mean potentially unapprehend offenders who are free to reoffend, increasing crime rates and leading to yet a higher case load as well as victimizing additional citizens.

4. Cold cases are a failure of our justice system to provide justice to victims and protection to citizens from offenders of the law. Aside from the legal and financial burden that cold cases cause, the emotional and mental cost to victims' families, as well as victims themselves in nonmurder cases, is incalculable.

Where does the unforgotten come in?

Here at The Unforgotten, we aim to provide resources, advocacy, and funding to help close the gap of cold cases in Georgia. While we know that we can't do it alone, we aim to provide a model for other individuals and nonprofits in taking action and we know that, one step at a time, together we can make huge strides.

Funding

The Unforgotten was born out of the desire to see funding directed towards untested DNA evidence for cold cases. This is our passion and something that is a guiding arrow in all that we do. With limited funding and resources, law enforcement offices are often forced to direct their funds to open and recent cases. We know the value in solving cold cases and removing offenders from the streets. That is why it's our desire is to help law enforcement officers in what they do best, by being a fundraising catalyst with the intent to provide funding to departments and labs for needed evidence testing.

Resources

We want to be a hub of information for those looking to get involved with cold case reform. It is crucial that the public be educated on the gaps in our system and what we can do about them.

Advocacy

Political action cannot be overlooked! Our representatives need to know that Georgians want to see funding made available for cold case units, advanced DNA testing such as genealogical DNA, and that funding will be dedicated not only to open cases, but to cold case testing as well. Whether its knowing which representatives to contact, providing form letters to send, or just being aware of when there is legislation on the table, The Unforgotten will do its best to keep the public aware and assist in unifying movement when appropriate.