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Services
Forensic Cold Case Review
Cold case review is a specialist forensic service involving the re-examination of evidence from unsolved or historically closed investigations. Such reviews typically require a fresh, independent scientific perspective to assess whether new insights, methodologies or lines of enquiry might assist in resolving outstanding issues.
At Forensic Access, our cold case review experts provide independent, impartial evaluation of legacy evidence and case files where findings are incomplete, contested or, in circumstances where modern forensic approaches may offer additional clarity.
Our cold case experts help legal professionals, investigators and courts to understand existing evidence in context and identify opportunities for further investigation or reinterpretation.
Types of Cold Case Review Instructions
Forensic Access experts are instructed in a wide range of cold case scenarios where historic evidence or incomplete forensic investigation may be subject to legal challenge or reconsideration.
We are commonly instructed in matters involving:
Historical criminal investigations where evidence has not led to prosecution
Cases with unresolved forensic issues that may benefit from modern analytical techniques
Review of legacy laboratory results and methods in light of current standards
Reassessment of DNA, fingerprints, trace evidence or toxicology results in older cases
Situations where witness accounts, forensic findings and case chronology conflict
Post-conviction review applications, and appeals where original forensic evidence is contested
Complex or high-profile unsolved cases requiring multidisciplinary review
Our cold case experts work closely with legal professionals to ensure that historic evidence is revisited with appropriate scientific rigour and that any recommendations are grounded in forensic best practice.
Cold Case Review Services
Our cold case review specialists provide independent evaluation, expert interpretation and opinion across all key aspects of forensic evidence re-examination.
Our services include:
Comprehensive historic review of case files, laboratory records and original forensic reports
Assessment of whether evidential conclusions remain valid in light of contemporary scientific standards
Identification of limitations, assumptions or gaps in legacy forensic evidence and analysis
Recommendations for further analytical testing or investigative strategy where appropriate
Integration of multidisciplinary evidence to provide coherent expert opinion
Preparation of detailed expert witness reports tailored to legal standards
Participation in case conferences and provision of expert testimony
Expert Reports, Reviews and Defence Case Support
Forensic Access prepares independent expert reports and case reviews for use in forensic investigations and legal proceedings.
Our cold case experts are instructed to review and critically assess historic forensic evidence, original laboratory findings, expert witness reports and investigative conclusions. They advise on the evidential strengths, limitations and whether advances in forensic science or modern analytical techniques may support further investigation or reinterpretation.
Each instruction is overseen by our dedicated casework team, who work closely with legal professionals to scope instructions, coordinate expert input and oversee case progression. This provides structure and continuity throughout the review process.
Our work includes the preparation of expert witness reports, participation in case conferences and joint expert discussions, and attendance at court.
How We Support Your Case
Our dedicated Casework Managers are a valuable resource for legal professionals, providing a single point of contact to manage all expert-related communication and administration throughout the life of a case.
Working closely with our network of cold case review specialists, they oversee instructions from initial enquiry through to delivery of the expert report, ensuring cases are progressed efficiently, proportionately and with appropriate awareness of court requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a forensic cold case review?
A forensic cold case review is an independent re-examination of the scientific evidence in a historic criminal investigation. It may involve reviewing original forensic findings, expert witness reports and case materials, while considering whether advances in forensic science or modern analytical techniques could provide new insight.
When should a forensic cold case review be instructed?
A forensic cold case review should be instructed where new information has emerged, concerns exist about previous forensic findings, or advances in forensic science may assist a historic investigation. It can also support appeals, post-conviction reviews and the re-examination of unresolved cases.
Can historic forensic evidence be reviewed?
Yes. Historic forensic evidence can be independently reviewed to assess whether the original examination, interpretation and conclusions remain scientifically supported. A cold case expert can also identify opportunities for further analysis using modern forensic techniques where appropriate.
What can be included in a forensic cold case review?
A forensic cold case review can include the assessment of forensic evidence, expert witness reports, laboratory findings, crime scene documentation and case records. Where appropriate, it may also involve coordinating multidisciplinary reviews across specialist forensic disciplines to provide a comprehensive independent assessment.
Has your team worked on any high-profile forensic cold case reviews?
Yes. Our experts have contributed to a number of high-profile cold case reviews, including investigations involving serious violent crime. We have provided independent forensic expertise in the re-examination of historic evidence, helping investigators and legal teams assess previous findings considering advances in forensic science.
Why work with Forensic Access
Trusted network of forensic experts in cold case review
Quality checks to ensure reports address the instruction
Quotes obtained from independent experts in line with LAA requirements
Dedicated casework management from instruction to court
Maintain high standards of quality across every instruction
Do you need cold case review expertise?
Whether you are revisiting historic forensic evidence, assessing the impact of new methods or seeking an independent expert perspective, we are here to help.
What Our Customers Say
“Thank you for your work in relation to the joint report, the whole team is very grateful. Thank you so much for your help and please pass on our thanks to your firearms expert.”
"I am consistently impressed by the quality of expert reports I receive through Forensic Access. Whether in toxicology, psychiatric reports or traffic reconstruction, the level of experience of the experts is consistently strong. We can be confident in their ability to give evidence in court if / when required."
"Forensic Access provided an excellent service with regards to our enquiry, which was impressive and very appreciated. The casework manager for our case was very professional and courteous."
"I have used Forensic Access for many years, instructing a wide range of experts. Every person I have dealt with has been helpful, friendly, and kind. I am impressed by the quality of the experts."
"The Forensic Access experts we have instructed have been extremely knowledgeable, informative, easy to work with and able to explain complex topics in straightforward language that the court and juries are able to understand. We have no hesitation in using the same experts for future cases."
"I consistently receive helpful same day responses, which is invaluable because it allows me to know exactly where I stand. The fact that they usually have multiple experts available, allowing me to obtain two quotes for legal aid applications, is also extremely helpful."
Get in touch
Let's talk
**Please note that we can only take instruction via a Barrister or Solicitor, we do not take instruction directly from private individuals.
We are always interested in talking to experienced forensic scientists with a minimum of 5 years of forensic science work who are interested in working as Consultants to undertake ad-hoc work for us.
Call us
01235 774870
Email us
science@forensic-access.co.uk