Mission and Purpose of the Retired Investigators Guild (RIG)​

Addressing Today’s Urgent Law Enforcement Needs
Across America, law enforcement agencies are facing an unprecedented crisis: a shortage of personnel, dwindling resources, and rising violent crime. As a result, critical public safety services are stretched thin, and an increasing number of serious crimes, particularly cold case homicides, are slipping through the cracks. These unresolved cases leave families without closure, while offenders remain free to continue their criminal activities.
The Retired Investigators Guild (RIG) was created to bridge this gap and provide vital support to law enforcement agencies struggling to combat rising crime rates. We have assembled a coalition of experts, agencies, organizations, and partners to offer an innovative, multi-faceted solution to this growing problem, strengthening the investigative capacity of police departments across the country.
Our Core Team
At the heart of RIG’s efforts is a dedicated group of retired and former major case detectives, who volunteer their time and expertise to tackle cold cases and assist with current high-priority investigations. Available 24/7, RIG investigators work directly with local agencies, taking on cases ranging from unsolved homicides to providing mentorship and guidance to detectives handling active cases.
Partnerships and Technology
RIG is committed to leveraging advanced technologies and multidisciplinary partnerships to provide cutting-edge resources that make a tangible difference in solving complex cases. One such partnership provides free DNA analysis to law enforcement agencies, which enables smaller departments with limited budgets to access resources that would otherwise be unaffordable. By working collaboratively with technology providers and law enforcement, we ensure that these agencies can overcome the challenges of resource constraints and scale their operations effectively.
The RIG Model
The RIG operates through three key components:

1. Volunteer Investigators: Our team consists of the best and most experienced retired homicide and major case detectives, who donate their time and skills to investigating and solving cold cases.
2. Law Enforcement Partnerships: Local and national agencies collaborate with RIG to offer tactical and operational support, ensuring seamless integration of RIG investigators into ongoing investigations.
3. The RIG Foundation Fund: This fund supports all operational expenses, including:
   • Travel and per diem for RIG investigators.
   • Maintenance of a secure, proprietary online case management system.
   • Funding for advanced scientific analysis and technologies, such as DNA testing.
   • Incentives to ensure the long-term commitment of our investigators.

Our Mission
The Retired Investigators Guild is dedicated to restoring public trust in law enforcement by tirelessly working to solve crimes, particularly cold case homicides, and bring justice to victims. We shine a light on the darkness that surrounds these unresolved cases, providing answers and hope to families and communities. By pursuing justice for both known and unknown victims, we help restore peace, support healing, and enable the pursuit of criminals who would otherwise remain free.
As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely on grants and donations from individuals and organizations to continue our work. Without the generosity of our supporters, we would not be able to provide these essential services to law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
Support Our Mission
Join us in our mission to make a difference in law enforcement and criminal justice. Your donation will help us continue to offer the critical resources and expertise needed to solve major crimes and provide justice for victims. Together, we can make a lasting impact on public safety in America.

Unsolved Murders

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The Rig Explained

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Law enforcement agencies across the country are grappling with a perfect storm of challenges:

• Rising Violent Crime: Violent crime rates are surging at an alarming pace, putting immense pressure on already overburdened law enforcement resources.
• Retirement of Experienced Experts: A growing number of seasoned crime experts are retiring, leaving a critical gap in investigative expertise and leadership.
• Recruitment Shortfalls: Both local communities and national agencies are falling far behind in meeting recruitment goals, leaving departments understaffed and struggling to maintain public safety.
• Rising Technology Costs: The high cost of essential investigative technologies, such as DNA analysis and genome sequencing, is often beyond the reach of agencies facing shrinking budgets.

These factors combine to create a crisis in law enforcement, one that demands immediate and innovative solutions.

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