Feb 10, 2025 Story by: Editor
During the civil rights era, countless racially-motivated crimes and civil rights violations remained unresolved and unpunished. However, that does not mean these incidents were ignored. In many cases, local, state, and federal authorities conducted thorough investigations, collected evidence, and interviewed witnesses. The records from these investigations, along with related government files, are known as civil rights cold case records.
Who Compiled These Records?
The primary agencies responsible for creating these records include the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). However, relevant documents can also be found within the War Department, the Department of Defense, court proceedings, and other federal or independent agencies. Most of these records are preserved by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), which safeguards historically significant documents from all three branches of the federal government. Additionally, local jurisdictions may have produced records, though some of these might have been lost or destroyed over time.
What Is the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act?
The Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act of 2018 (the Act) led to the formation of a board of private citizens (the Board), appointed by the President. The Board’s main responsibility is to accelerate the review and public release of civil rights cold case records from incidents that took place between January 1, 1940, and December 31, 1979. This effort aims to provide greater transparency for family members, researchers, students, and the general public regarding past racially-motivated crimes and civil rights violations.
Are There Restrictions on What Can Be Released?
The Act limits the disclosure of information that could threaten national security, violate personal privacy, or interfere with ongoing law enforcement matters. Some records are released in full, making all details visible. Others may have redactions, which obscure sensitive information. The Act mandates a regular review of redacted content to determine whether it can be made public over time. This means currently withheld information may be released once it no longer requires protection.
What Powers Does the Board Have?
Under the Act, the Board has the authority to access government records related to civil rights cold cases and determine which parts should be made public. If needed, the Board also has the power to issue subpoenas.
How Many Civil Rights Cold Cases Exist?
The exact number is unknown, but estimates suggest there could be hundreds or even thousands of unresolved cold cases spanning the period from 1940 to 1979.
How Does the Board Prioritize Cases?
The Board considers multiple factors when selecting cases for review, such as geographic location, the date of the incident, the nature of the crime, and the level of public interest. Not all cold cases involve homicides—some pertain to assault, kidnapping, and other violent acts. Given the Board’s limited timeframe, it prioritizes cases that represent the broader range of civil rights cold cases. Currently, the Board is required to complete its work by January 2027.
Where Can These Records Be Found?
The records made public by the Board are housed in the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection at the National Archives. They can be accessed through the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Portal, where users can search and filter through the collection. The documents are also available via the National Archives Catalog.
Will These Records Lead to Justice for Victims and Families?
The Act instructs NARA and other federal agencies to provide access to these records through a single online portal. If any new findings emerge from reviewing these records, individuals are encouraged to reach out to the Department of Justice at Coldcase.Civilrights@usdoj.gov, call 202-514-3847, or use (TTY) 202-514-0716 for assistance.
Connection to the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act
The Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act, signed into law in 2008 and reauthorized in 2016, mandated the DOJ and FBI to re-examine unresolved cold cases for potential reinvestigation. As of January 24, 2024, a total of 138 cases have been reopened. You can check the status of these cases online. Unlike the Till Act, which focuses on reopening investigations, the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act is dedicated to releasing records rather than reinvestigating cases.
Does Releasing These Records Mean the Case Is Reopened?
No. The Board does not conduct investigations. The decision to reopen a case lies solely with law enforcement agencies. Source: Cold Case Records
