The Power of Podcasts in Solving Cold Cases
Podcasts have become a powerful tool in re-examining cold cases. By reaching broad audiences, they spark renewed interest, generate leads, and even push law enforcement to act. But with that influence comes responsibility. While some podcasts have helped solve crimes, others have faced criticism for spreading misinformation, sensationalizing tragedies, or interfering with investigations. But what does a law enforcement agency do when they want to use a podcast to help generate more information?
There are two avenues: find a podcast to host your cold case or create your podcasts in-house.
Finding a Podcast
Find a podcast currently in circulation that is interested in hosting the cold case on their podcast. There are risks to consider when partnering with a private podcast. Those risks could impact the integrity of the investigation, the agency's reputation, and legal proceedings.
Loss of Investigative Control
Selective Editing – The podcast controls how the story is presented. It could mislead the public if they omit key details or frame the case a certain way.
Unintended Leaks – Law enforcement may need to withhold some details to verify suspect statements. A podcast could accidentally reveal sensitive information, damaging the case.
Narrative Spin – The podcast may introduce its theories, pushing a version of events that doesn't align with the evidence.
Legal and Ethical Risks
Trial Complications – If a suspect is arrested, pre-trial publicity from the podcast could lead to claims of jury bias or a tainted legal process.
Defamation Issues – If the podcast speculates about potential suspects without hard evidence, it could open up legal risks for both the show and the law enforcement agency.
Violation of Privacy Laws – Depending on jurisdiction, sharing specific investigative details could violate privacy laws or departmental policies.
Public Perception and Credibility
Accusations of Bias – If the podcast is known for a particular agenda or has a history of sensationalism, working with them could hurt the agency's credibility.
Loss of Trust – If the public perceives the podcast as an entertainment-driven venture rather than a serious investigative effort, it could backfire.
Backlash from Families – If the victim's family isn't entirely on board, they may publicly criticize the agency for exploiting their case.
Ethical Considerations for Law Enforcement
Blurred Lines Between Journalism and Law Enforcement – A podcast is not an official investigative tool. Relying on it too much could create confusion about the role of law enforcement.
Selective Collaboration – If agencies only work with specific podcasts and not others, it may raise questions about favoritism or access.
Pressure from Public Speculation – Law enforcement may face a flood of unreliable tips and waste resources if the podcast encourages amateur sleuthing.
While a podcast can help raise awareness about a cold case, law enforcement should be cautious about who they work with. Without strict agreements on content, privacy, and investigative boundaries, the risks may outweigh the benefits.
Creating an In-House Podcast
A law enforcement agency running its podcast can be a robust community engagement, transparency, and case awareness tool. However, it also comes with challenges, including resource demands and potential legal risks.
Advantages
1. Full Control Over the Narrative
The agency controls what information is shared.
There is no risk of third-party podcasters misrepresenting facts or pushing speculative theories.
Ensures accuracy and alignment with official investigative updates.
2. Direct Community Engagement
Provides a platform to share case updates, crime prevention tips, and department initiatives.
Builds trust by allowing officers and detectives to speak directly to the public.
Humanizes law enforcement by showcasing the people behind the badge.
3. Potential to Generate New Leads
Cold case episodes could encourage witnesses or informants to come forward.
Allows the agency to distribute a message widely without relying on traditional media.
Listeners may provide fresh insights or unknown details.
4. Cost-Effective Communication
A podcast is a low-cost way to reach the public compared to TV or print campaigns.
Once the initial setup is complete, ongoing production costs are minimal.
5. Transparency and Public Relations Benefits
It demonstrates a commitment to openness and accountability.
It can be used to clarify misinformation or address public concerns.
It strengthens relationships with the media, local leaders, and the community.
Disadvantages
1. Time and Resource Demands
Producing a quality podcast requires planning, scripting, recording, and editing.
It may require dedicated staff or outsourcing to a media team.
Regular content creation can be challenging to sustain.
2. Legal and Investigative Risks
Sharing too much information on an open case could compromise the investigation.
Public statements may be used against the agency in court.
Privacy laws may limit what can be discussed, especially regarding victims, suspects, or juveniles.
3. Public and Media Scrutiny
If the podcast is poorly executed, it could damage the agency's credibility.
Journalists may accuse the agency of bypassing traditional media or controlling the message too tightly.
Critics may dismiss public perception as propaganda rather than a legitimate communication tool if public perception is negative.
4. Limited Audience Reach
Not everyone listens to podcasts, so reaching a broad audience requires additional promotion.
Without strong marketing, it may not generate significant public engagement.
5. Potential for Backlash
If they improperly use their sensitivity, the victim's family may object publicly.
Controversial topics or officer misconduct cases could attract criticism rather than goodwill.
Listeners may expect immediate action or breakthroughs on cold cases, leading to frustration if updates are infrequent.
An agency-run podcast can be a powerful tool but requires careful planning. To be successful, agencies must balance transparency with investigative security, ensure content is engaging, and allocate resources to maintain consistency.
How Podcasts Contribute to Solving Cold Cases
Podcasts focusing on unsolved crimes often achieve the following:
Renewed Public Interest: Detailed storytelling can reignite attention in cases long considered dormant. Many cold cases go cold because they slip from public memory. A podcast can bring long-forgotten instances back into the spotlight, prompting new witnesses to come forward or encouraging law enforcement to re-examine evidence.
· Crowdsourced Information: Listeners may provide new tips or insights after hearing episodes. Some listeners may have valuable information without realizing it. A well-researched podcast can connect dots that Police overlooked or encourage someone with a guilty conscience to speak up.
· Pressure on Authorities: Increased public scrutiny can motivate law enforcement to re-examine cases. Podcasts can pressure law enforcement to correct mistakes by exposing flaws in past investigations. Some cases have been reopened because journalists uncovered missed evidence or law enforcement errors.
· Giving Families a Voice: For many families, a podcast is the only way to keep their loved one's case from fading into obscurity. Some podcasters work directly with victims' families, allowing them to share their stories and advocate for justice.
Case Studies
Dutch Police Solve Decades-Old Case
Dutch Police investigated a case in August of 1991 where a man suffered multiple stab wounds to the chest. The man was wrapped in a carpet. They were unable to identify the victim or the offender in this case. To identify the victim, the Dutch Police Started their podcast. [i]
New Port Beach Police Department Podcast
The Newport Beach Police Department launched a Serial-inspired podcast about an open murder case. It was an experiment designed to bring public attention to the case–and perhaps help them track down the primary suspect, who remained at large. The experiment appears to have worked. The fugitive fled the country after being charged with murder in 2012. In 2019, the suspect had been arrested partly because of the pressure the podcast had placed on the suspect. [ii]
"Somebody Knows Something" and the Elgin Police Department
Detectives in Elgin, Illinois, started the "Somebody Knows Something" podcast to generate leads for a decades-old case. The podcast successfully engaged the community, leading to new information that advanced the investigation. [iii]
Challenges and Considerations
While podcasts can be instrumental in solving cold cases, they also present challenges:
Ethical Concerns: Ensuring accurate reporting without sensationalism is crucial.
Legal Implications: Publicly discussing ongoing investigations can impact legal proceedings.
Emotional Toll: Revisiting traumatic events can be distressing for victims' families.
Legal Risks
Impact on Investigations
Podcasts sometimes reveal information police intentionally withheld.
If a jury hears biased coverage, it could impact trial fairness.
Defamation and Lawsuits
If a podcast wrongfully accuses someone, legal action can follow.
Even indirect implications can result in reputational damage claims.
Emotional and Psychological Toll
Reopening Old Wounds
For families, reliving a cold case can be traumatic.
Some find podcasts helpful, but others feel exploited.
Pressure on Podcasters
Investigative journalists face threats, harassment, and emotional burnout.
Vigilantism
Some listeners take matters into their own hands, confronting people mentioned in podcasts.
Online communities have falsely accused innocent individuals, leading to real-world harm.
Misinformation and Speculation
The Spread of False Narratives
Some podcast listeners jump to conclusions, fueling conspiracy theories.
Once misinformation spreads, correcting it is nearly impossible.
Conflicting Accounts
Different podcasts covering the same case may tell different events, confusing the public.
Conclusion
Creating a law enforcement agency podcast can be valuable to engage the community, increase transparency, and even generate new leads in cold cases. Unlike working with private podcasters, an in-house podcast allows the agency to control the message, avoid speculation, and ensure accuracy. It provides a direct line to the public, helping to humanize officers, clarify misinformation, and inform the public about ongoing investigations and crime prevention efforts. Additionally, the relatively low production cost compared to traditional media makes it an attractive option for departments with limited budgets.
However, running a podcast comes with its own set of challenges. Agencies must carefully balance transparency and investigative security, ensuring they do not reveal sensitive details that could compromise a case. Legal risks must be addressed before launching any episode, including privacy concerns and potential pre-trial publicity issues. Additionally, producing a podcast requires time and resources, and without a clear content strategy, agencies may struggle to maintain consistency or audience engagement. Poorly executed episodes or missteps in tone could lead to public criticism, undermining the very trust the agency is trying to build.
Ultimately, a law enforcement podcast is only as effective as the strategy behind it. Agencies must consider whether they have the resources, expertise, and commitment to maintain high-quality production and relevant content. A podcast can be a strong tool for public outreach and case awareness if done thoughtfully. However, without proper planning, it risks becoming an underused or mismanaged platform that fails to achieve its goals.
[i] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50480494
[ii] https://lamag.com/crimeinla/peter-chadwick-crime-podcast
[iii] https://wgntv.com/news/northwest-suburbs/somebody-knows-something-elgin-police-department-launches-podcast-aimed-at-solving-cold-cases/