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Volunteering Cold Case Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Whiteside Agency

Major Case Investigator

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$85K - $141K/yr

... case or underwriting investigations with regional and national implications with potential for ... Volunteer Encouragement: We have a deep commitment to the communities we serve and encourage our ...

Iredell County

Property Crimes Detective

Statesville, NC

$61K - $96K/yr

... Cold Case Investigations Juvenile-related Investigations Other investigative assignments established by the Sheriff. Assignment-specific responsibilities, training, certifications, schedules, and ...

Iredell County, NC

Property Crimes Detective

NC · On-site

$61K - $96K/yr

... • Cold Case Investigations • Juvenile-related Investigations • Other investigative assignments established by the Sheriff. Assignment-specific responsibilities, training, certifications ...

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

Investigator

Fairburn, SD · On-site

$89K/yr

... relevance to case findings and recommended actions. * Evaluate evidence, testimony, and ... Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience ...

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All JobsVolunteering Cold Case Investigator Jobs

Volunteering Cold Case Investigator information

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$23

$31

$41

How much do volunteering cold case investigator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteering cold case investigator in the United States is $31.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.24 and $36.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common challenges faced by volunteering cold case investigators and how can they be addressed?

Volunteering cold case investigators often encounter challenges such as limited access to case files, incomplete or degraded evidence, and difficulties coordinating with law enforcement agencies. To overcome these obstacles, it is important to maintain clear communication with supervising officers, stay organized with meticulous notes, and continuously update investigative skills through training. Collaboration with experienced professionals and leveraging modern forensic technologies can also help volunteers make meaningful contributions while respecting the sensitive nature of unresolved cases.

How do I become a volunteering cold case investigator?

To become a volunteering cold case investigator, individuals typically need a background in criminal justice, law enforcement, or related fields, along with strong analytical and research skills. Volunteering opportunities often require completing background checks and training, and may involve working with law enforcement agencies or private organizations to review case files and gather information.

What is a volunteering cold case investigator?

Volunteering cold case investigators are individuals who offer their time and skills, often without pay, to assist law enforcement agencies in reviewing and solving unsolved criminal cases, commonly referred to as cold cases. These volunteers may have backgrounds in law enforcement, forensics, research, or related fields, but some are simply dedicated community members with a passion for justice. Their responsibilities can include reviewing case files, analyzing evidence, conducting research, and helping generate new leads. While they do not have the same authority as police officers, their contributions can be invaluable in providing fresh perspectives and support to often overwhelmed police departments.

Can I volunteer to help solve cold cases?

Volunteering as a cold case investigator typically involves assisting law enforcement or investigative organizations with research, data analysis, or public outreach. Many programs require background checks, relevant skills, and training, and volunteers often work remotely or in collaboration with professionals. Opportunities vary by organization and jurisdiction, so interested individuals should contact local law enforcement or nonprofit groups involved in cold case investigations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a volunteering cold case investigator?

To thrive as a Volunteering Cold Case Investigator, you need strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and a background in criminal justice or related fields, though formal qualifications may vary. Familiarity with case management software, public records databases, and forensic tools is often important for reviewing and organizing information. Outstanding communication, persistence, and teamwork skills help you collaborate with law enforcement and other volunteers. These competencies are critical to effectively analyzing evidence, generating leads, and supporting efforts to resolve long-unsolved cases.
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Volunteering Cold Case Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteering Cold Case Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,950 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

Assistant District Attorney: Cold Case Unit - Homicide Bureau

Queens District Attorney's Office

Kew Gardens, NY

$107K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

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Job Openings >> Assistant District Attorney: Cold Case Unit - Homicide Bureau
Assistant District Attorney: Cold Case Unit - Homicide Bureau
Summary
Title: Assistant District Attorney: Cold Case Unit - Homicide Bureau ID: 1400 Location: Kew Gardens, NY Department: Legal Job Type: N/A
More about this job >
Description

The Queens County District Attorney's Office is seeking an experienced prosecutor to work in its Cold Case Unit in the Homicide Bureau.  The assistant will be responsible for the investigation and prosecution of cold case homicides and unidentified remains cases. 

The Cold Case Unit is comprised of an experienced team of assistant district attorneys, detective investigators and support staff who have systematically begun to sift through a substantial backlog of unsolved cases.  The goals of the unit are to give each of these cases a fresh look, to bring them up to investigative standards, and to seek community support and involvement, whenever appropriate. The unit uses groundbreaking forensic testing and cutting-edge investigative techniques to examine unsolved crimes to bring long-awaited justice to victims and their families.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Working with various NYPD and QDA squads to enhance and solve challenging and complex cold case homicides and to identify human remains cases.
  • Maintaining a caseload of cold case investigations and indictments.
  • Interviewing witnesses, relevant experts and police officers.
  • Reviewing cold case homicides and unidentified remains cases to determine if DNA or other advanced forensic testing will assist in the development of investigative leads.
  • Coordinating with the Office of Chief Medical Examiner's Office, NYPD and other agencies to facilitate forensic testing and investigative leads.
  • Drafting subpoenas, search warrants, historical cell sites and other investigative applications.
  • Writing prospective arrest reports and prosecution memos.
  • Conducting grand jury presentations.
  • Depending on level of experience, conducting and/or second seating trials of cold case homicides.
  • Treating family members who have suffered the ultimate loss with kindness and compassion.

Qualifications:  Interested applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the New York State bar in good standing and have at least 4 years post-J.D. experience.  Applicants must also have:

  • Grand jury and felony trial experience
  • Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and an exceptional ability to investigate and enhance complex cases.
  • Excellent case-management skills and ability to multi-task.
  • Candidates should have the experience of investigating and/or litigating cases involving violent crime, including the use of DNA and other forensic science.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work with detectives, various agencies, and families of homicide victims.

Salary range is from $107,000. to $150,000.
Applicants should submit a resume, along with a cover letter addressed to Counsel to the Chief Assistant Vincent J. Carroll Jr. Please apply through the link below.
Pursuant to Public Officers Law Section 3(1), United States citizenship is required of all Assistant District Attorneys upon commencement of their employment, as is New York State residency.
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
As a current or prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. Please review the notice to see if you may be eligible for programs and how to apply at nyc.gov/studentloans.

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