Prioritising and resourcing murder investigations: The perspectives of investigators of cases gone cold

This study examines the experiences of investigators of unsolved Swedish murder cases through qualitative interviews and thematic analysis. Focusing on the organisational context it highlights challenges in assembling and sustaining competent investigative teams. Using Resource Dependence Theory, the study shows that these teams rely heavily on external resources, prompting coping strategies that influence investigative practices. Findings suggest that resource allocation may depend on assessments of solvability, triaging, which can be problematic without a shared understanding of investigative success. A dynamic model is proposed to explain the interplay of aspects of the crime, organisational context and investigative actions.