The Cold Case Task Force was created to:
• Review procedures used by law enforcement agencies in investigating and preserving cold case homicides.
• Review procedures used by law enforcement agencies in investigating recent homicides.
• Receive comment from members of victim’s families and members of the public.

It was decided that this report should focus upon the current practices of Arizona’s law enforcement community regarding cold case homicides, establishing a baseline that would allow for measured review as law enforcement progresses with the unique challenges that “cold case” homicides present.

In recent years, events across the country have raised the public’s awareness of the death penalty and its administration. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive study of the death penalty process in Arizona, Attorney General Janet Napolitano formed the Attorney General’s Capital Case Commission in the summer of 2000 to study key issues and make recommendations to try to ensure that the death penalty process in Arizona is just, timely, and fair to defendants and victims. This Commission was not charged with and did not consider whether a moratorium or abolition of the death penalty was warranted.