Illinois State Police collaborates with SIUE on cold case investigations

BELLEVILLE, Ill., (KBSI) — The Illinois State Police has partnered with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to provide students with real-world experience in criminal justice while aiding special agents in solving old homicide cases.

The partnership allows students to review cold cases and help prioritize them based on their solvability.

“Illinois State Police investigates hundreds of new cases each year, while also following up on cold cases from years past,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Improvements in technology and advancements in forensic testing over the years can breathe new life into old cases.”

The collaboration provides students with hands-on experience and insight into homicide investigations, while also assisting special agents in the ISP’s Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6.