KCKPD Launches Metro’s Only Dedicated Cold Case Unit

Published on January 27, 2022

Kansas City, Kansas Police Chief Karl Oakman announced today that the department has launched its first, and the metros only, police investigative unit dedicated to the review of cold cases.

A cold case is an unsolved criminal investigation that remains open pending the discovery of new evidence. While referred to frequently in the media, the National Institute of Justice estimates that only 7% of law enforcement agencies in the United States have dedicated cold case units.

“We have assembled a unit of highly motivated and experienced detectives,” Oakman said. “Kansas City, Kansas has roughly 285 unsolved homicides spanning five decades which we believe will benefit from a fresh review, as well as advances in DNA and other forensic testing. The family of these victims deserve justice and closure.”

Captain Angela Garrison, a 27-year veteran of the department, will lead the unit, comprised of three, full-time detectives. The team will review all cold cases and then prioritize them based on solvability. Missing person cases where it appears that foul play may have been involved, will also be reviewed.

“I’ve been a detective for 14 years and during that time I have worked a number of a cold cases,” Garrison, said. “I can truly say that one of the best experiences of my career has been delivering news to a family that we have a resolution for their loved one’s case. I would love to be able to do that for more families in our community.”

Any individual with information on an unsolved homicide in Kansas City, Kansas is urged to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS. You may remain anonymous, and tips leading to an arrest may qualify for a cash reward.