November 3, 2025
Ferris State students gain real-world experience by solving mysteries in new cold case class
In the criminal justice system, there are cold cases that haunt investigators and loved ones.
At Ferris State University, a new course has been created for select students to step into the role of criminal analysts — examining evidence, following leads and using modern forensic tools to help crack cases gone cold for decades.
This winter, for the first time, CRIM 390: Cold Case Investigations will open its doors.
Dun-dun.
Steven Amey, a former St. Clair County Sheriff’s detective and longtime tenured professor in the Ferris State School of Criminal Justice, is the driving force behind the new course.
Across the country, many universities have teamed up with law enforcement agencies in these cold case partnerships as advances in forensic technology outpace the manpower available in many police departments.
Many cold cases have been solved thanks to existing collaborations in Michigan and other states.
“It has been successful in other universities and I am confident Ferris will be no different,” said Amey, a Ferris state graduate and former Law Enforcement Academy director.
“We have a nationally recognized criminal justice program, a biology forensics program and a fantastic computer forensics program with some of the newest technology out there. We are good at playing in the sandbox together at Ferris and we all have the same goal: educating new minds with the ability and the skillset to help solve a cold case crime.”
For students, the new class offers hands-on experience reviewing, researching and analyzing real unsolved homicide cases in Michigan and, hopefully, breathing new life into stalled investigations.
For law enforcement agencies, it’s a chance to fill a critical gap and bring closure to families still waiting for answers.
“Time is always a factor; new criminal cases never stop coming in and police agencies are often stretched thin,” Amey said. “Sadly, these cold cases get buried in the lonely archives of a file cabinet or storage evidence room until a detective gets the time and funding to reexamine the case.
“Now we’re here to help in whatever way we can.”
Forensic science is a growing field, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 14% increase in employment for forensic science technicians from 2023-2033 — significantly faster than the average for all occupations.
The demand is driven by increasing police caseloads and advancements in scientific and technological tools.
The course will give Ferris State students a chance to work alongside Michigan State Police and other law enforcement detectives across the state.
Because of the sensitive nature of the case material, participants must submit to an application process, a minimum 3.0 GP.. requirement, a criminal background check, fingerprinting and sign a non-disclosure agreement.
The CRIM 390 Cold Case Investigations course is open as an elective to any registered Ferris State student and meets only on the main campus. Class size is expected to be limited to 14 students per section.
“I envision it as an eager, energetic class of top-shelf Ferris students who will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Amey said.
Not to mention real-life career training and the chance for recruitment into local, state or federal agencies as an analyst or investigator.
Amey anticipates the open class will be an attractive elective for Ferris State students, especially those studying criminal justice. Similar courses are offered at Western Michigan, Grand Valley State, Michigan State and Northern Michigan universities.
Law enforcement officials — many Ferris State graduates — are thrilled to have more eyes looking at these heartbreaking cases, he said.
“All it takes is just one small discovery to clear the cobwebs and years of staleness from a cold case, finally allowing closure,” he said. “I’m excited for Ferris State University and these college students.”