Students turn sleuth in a bid to solve cold cases
NC The research team has been given until August 31 to complete the task
Students from Abertay University in Dundee will read through press articles as part of a live Police Scotland investigation into nearly 30 cold cases across the country. More than 20 psychology, criminology and forensic science students will focus on Scottish newspaper cuttings relating to cases of unidentified bodies and body parts, which have never been matched to a missing person or victim. It is hoped the project will highlight possible links for further investigation, potentially leading to forensic tests which technological advances have recently made possible. Dr Penny Woolnough, senior lecturer in forensic psychology and associate director of the Scottish Institute for Policing Research, who is leading the project, said: “This is a fantastic operation for our students to be involved in, not only because it gives them industry experience but there’s also a real chance they may turn up some useful information. Students from Abertay University in Dundee will read through press articles as part of a live Police Scotland investigation into nearly 30 cold cases across the country.
More than 20 psychology, criminology and forensic science students will focus on Scottish newspaper cuttings relating to cases of unidentified bodies and body parts, which have never been matched to a missing person or victim. It is hoped the project will highlight possible links for further investigation, potentially leading to forensic tests which technological advances have recently made possible. Dr Penny Woolnough, senior lecturer in forensic psychology and associate director of the Scottish Institute for Policing Research, who is leading the project, said: “This is a fantastic operation for our students to be involved in, not only because it gives them industry experience but there’s also a real chance they may turn up some useful information. “People go missing for a whole range of reasons, including mental health issues, family or financial problems and even foul play, so there are a huge number of angles for the team to look at.” The students will look at articles dating back to 1971 which mention remains found in city, town and rural locations, as well as at sea.
GETTY [STOCK IMAGE] The students will look at articles dating back to 1971
I hope that the work we are conducting ends up providing some closure to families Psychology student Sarah Webb