Questions answered in this file

What are the main parts of The Cold Cases?

A case archive of reporting, a community archive built by families, a professionals directory, field guides and on-the-record interviews.

Is the case archive behind a paywall?

No. The case files, community records and field guides are open to read, and the publication carries no advertising.

How are community records different from newsroom reporting?

Community records are created by families or people close to a case and are labeled separately from independently reported newsroom case files.

How is the platform funded?

Through professional directory listings at $9.99 a month and direct reader support. The company is for-profit, so support is not tax-deductible.

Does The Cold Cases sue agencies over records?

The publication's stated approach includes appeals and, where justified, legal remedies against improper withholding, assessed individually for each records dispute.