Denver will get an additional $1.5 million in federal funds to expand its cold case unit in part by hiring new victims advocates, Denver police and prosecutors say.
The Denver DNA Integrated Cold Case Project uses updated technology to investigate old homicide and sexual assault cases, authorities say.
“It will assist the department in our continuing efforts to identify and assist in the prosecution of criminals no matter how long it may take,” Denver Police Chief Gerry Whitman said.
The National Institute of Justice awarded the grant, which is earmarked for Denver police, crime scene investigators and prosecutors for the next 18 months.
The money will pay for expanded staff to help the families of victims, according to a news release today.
“This is great news for Denver and for our victims and their families,” Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey said. “Our cold case work will also help prevent future crimes, making our city safer.”
Staff writer Kirk Mitchell can be reached at 303-954-1206 or kmitchell@denverpost.com.
