UCO and Midwest City Police Department Partner to Advance Cold Case Investigations
Nov. 10, 2025
The University of Central Oklahoma’s W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute (FSI) and the Midwest City Police Department (MWCPD) have partnered to expand the Cold Case Task Force Collaboration (CCTFC), enhancing forensic support for Oklahoma law enforcement agencies in solving unsolved cold cases.
Through this collaboration, UCO faculty and students assigned to the FSI’s Cold Case Investigations course will review actual cold cases provided by MWCPD. Serving in an advisory capacity, the teams will analyze case materials and make recommendations for evidence suitable for further forensic testing.
“At the University of Central Oklahoma, we remain deeply committed to meeting Oklahoma’s critical workforce needs through innovative and meaningful partnerships,” said UCO President Todd G. Lamb.
“By connecting our nationally recognized Forensic Science Institute with the Midwest City Police Department to help solve cold cases through new ideas and advanced techniques, we are strengthening the pursuit of justice, while preparing the next generation of forensic professionals to serve and lead in our community.”
The UCO FSI review process will explore whether investigations can be advanced through DNA analysis, artificial intelligence (AI) technology or other modern forensic techniques. Potential areas of focus include traditional and AI-assisted database analysis, bloodstain pattern analysis, crime scene reconstruction and analysis, digital evidence, serology/DNA, fingerprint analysis, firearms, footwear and tire impressions, tool marks, toxicology and more.
Originally established in 2018 as a partnership between UCO FSI and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, the CCTFC aims to suggest additional forensic testing based on advancements in forensic science.
Since its founding in 2009, the UCO FSI has overseen the university’s undergraduate and graduate forensic science programs, growing from fewer than 100 students to nearly 1,000 majors—making it the largest forensic science education program in the nation. The institute offers four Bachelor of Science degrees, four Master of Science degrees and a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) in Forensic Science. The doctoral program marks a significant milestone for the institute, following national recognition and the historic accreditation of all graduate degrees by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission.
To learn more about the UCO FSI, visit www.uco.edu/fsi.
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Cutline: The University of Central Oklahoma and the Midwest City Police Department (MWCPD) have partnered to expand the Cold Case Task Force Collaboration. Pictured, left to right, Director and Dean of the UCO Forensic Science Institute John Mabry, MWCPD Chief of Police Greg Wipfli, UCO President Todd G. Lamb and Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna gather for the signing of the memorandum of understanding between UCO and MWCPD.
