Frequently Asked Questions

The WMU Cold Case Program, in partnership with the Michigan State Police, offers an immersive learning experience that prepares students for careers in law and law enforcement. Students gain hands-on experience by reviewing real investigative materials from unsolved cases, developing critical skills in forensic science, criminal investigation, and legal analysis. Through this collaboration, MSP benefits from dedicated support in advancing casework, while students receive comprehensive, real-world training.

Students accepted into the Program collaborate directly with Michigan State Police detectives to review unsolved homicide and missing person cases. Working hands-on with real investigative materials, students contribute meaningful research and analysis that support ongoing investigations.

Their work includes:

• Offering fresh perspectives and identifying overlooked connections within case files
• Suggesting potential forensic analyses and evaluating advances in scientific methodologies
• Reviewing social media and ancestry records for new leads
• Creating detailed timelines, family trees, and maps to visualize relationships and events
• Assessing the feasibility of DNA testing and other modern investigative techniques
• Clarifying or expanding on key aspects of case materials to assist detectives
• Assist in supporting victim family members 

Through these efforts, students help move complex investigations forward while developing critical skills in analysis, research, and real-world problem-solving.

Yes. Students accepted into the program work directly with the Michigan State Police, and have access to specific case materials necessary to contribute to investigations. Students are required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement upon acceptance to the program.

The Michigan State Police decides which cold cases are opened. The CCP does not have influence over the cases that are chosen or the cases that we work on in any given semester.

The CCP only works with the Michigan State Police and their cases. However, local law enforcement occasionally works with the Michigan State Police on a case. In those circumstances the CCP may end up working a case with a police department or sheriff's office.

A typical day as a student investigator involves a team collaboration working on various case-related tasks that have been given by the detectives working on each case. These tasks could involve library research, case organization, making timelines, a people index or researching backgrounds of people of interest.

A typical week for a student assistant will be comprised of at least twelve hours spent in the Cold Case Program and four hours spent job shadowing and touring various MSP labs. These experiences will be tailored to each individual student’s interests and the hours for these opportunities will be dependent on availability for these outside opportunities. Some weeks may not have these opportunities available.

The Cold Case Program time commitment is 140 hours a semester. This averages about 12 hours a week.

Students take part in a variety of hands-on excursions that expand their knowledge of the criminal justice system and investigative process. These experiences give students valuable, real-world exposure to law enforcement operations and the broader pursuit of justice.

Some of the excursions include:

• Search warrant executions
• MSP Recruit School
• Court hearings
• Crime scene visits
• K9 tours
• Tours of MSP posts and crime labs
• Prison visits
• Michigan State Capitol visit

Yes.  You can receive either 3 internship credits or 3 independent study credits (you and your advisor should decide which option will be most useful for your major)

Yes.

Our application is open on February 15 and October 1 of each academic year.  You will know whether or not you’ve been accepted into the program before you register for summer, fall or spring semester classes.

You must be an enrolled WMU student for the semester in which you are applying, hold a GPA of at least 3.0, have earned at least 26 college credit hours by the semester in which you are applying, and you cannot have any other classes or work scheduled on Monday or Wednesday from 10 am to 6 pm in the semester in which you are applying.  You must also submit to a background check from the state police.

Unfortunately, we have no method in place to allow non-WMU students to participate in this program at this time.

No.  The students can only research their assigned case file inside the Cold Case Program space on campus and on an encrypted computer network.  Due to this there is no way to work remotely or virtually on these case files.

Of course! Please email us: @email

No problem. The CCP accepts students from any major and any college on campus; students with different training provide different perspectives needed to examine case files. We are more concerned with whether or not you meet the program requirements.

The faculty endorsement can come from any faculty member you’ve worked with even if it’s not a WMU faculty member.

Students should always double-check with their advisor to ensure that they take the internship credits that would best benefit their specific program requirements.

In extraordinary circumstances, some students are invited to stay with the CCP for two semesters. Unfortunately, students need to do consecutive semesters

Students should have Mondays and Wednesdays free because these are the days that detectives are available to meet with student teams.

You don’t need to be a Criminal Justice major to make a meaningful contribution to the Cold Case Program. Our program is always looking for new perspectives and unique skill sets from all majors. Students from different majors and minors have all played important roles in past investigations.

Each major brings unique strengths, whether it’s analytical thinking, data management, research, storytelling, or forensic insight, all of which help detectives view evidence in new ways.

Do well in your courses because you’ll need a 3.0 GPA and a faculty member’s recommendation. Get involved with relevant groups on campus, too! The Criminal Justice Student Association is a great way to learn more about the field and profession.  There are also many other organizations and volunteer opportunities that will help build your resume before you apply:  https://experiencewmu.wmich.edu/events.