The Forensic Investigator episode explores relationship between law enforcement, journalists

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

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What role do journalists play in cold case investigations?

That question and more are at the center of a recent episode of the Forensic Investigator Podcast, featuring Vault reporter Trisha Taurinskas.

Hosted by

Jim M Adcock, Ph.D., a forensic and criminal investigator with more than two decades of experience, the episode bridges the gap between law enforcement and the media.

It asks — and answers — the questions about journalists’ role in raising public awareness, generating new leads and pushing cases forward.

Taurinskas draws on her experience covering cold cases across the Upper Midwest, discussing the challenges of reporting on cases that have gone unsolved for decades, building relationships with victims' families and navigating the ethical responsibilities that come with telling their stories. She is an enterprise crime reporter for Forum Communications Co. and hosts The Vault podcast.

The conversation also explores the importance of trust between journalists and investigators, and the ways reporting can help keep cases alive long after official investigations are launched.

For families still searching for answers, that attention can be critical. It also raises an important task for journalists: How do you tell these stories in a way that serves the public while respecting the people at the center of them?

The conversation between Adcock and Taurinskas echoes the delicate relationship between law enforcement and the media — and how understanding one anothers’ roles and responsibilities can lead to greater outcomes for the public and victims.

The episode can be found on major podcast platforms, including Apple, Spotify and YouTube.

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Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

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• COLD CASES
• TRUE CRIME
• VAULT - 2000-PRESENT
• UNSOLVED
• CRIME AND COURTS
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