Questions answered in this file

Is The Cold Cases free to read?

Yes. Case files, community records and field guides are free to read, with no paywall and no advertising.

Why doesn't The Cold Cases use a paywall?

Potential witnesses and relatives are rarely subscribers, so open, searchable records reach the people most likely to help a case.

Does an open repository publish every record?

No. Material exposing confidential witnesses, private details of living people or gratuitous images is withheld or redacted.

How is a free archive paid for?

Through $9.99 monthly professional directory listings and direct reader support; the company is for-profit, so support is not tax-deductible.

How are errors in the archive handled?

Readers can report errors through the contact page, and corrections are dated and published at the foot of the case file.