Cases are assigned to CCS teams, which include at least one agent and one detective. The CCS team investigates all remaining viable leads and, in most situations, identifies new leads and additional witnesses. If a suspect is identified, the AUSA working with the CCS prosecutes the case. Spin-off cases often result. Frequently, a witness in one cold case will have information about a second case involving the same subject or has witnessed a different homicide in the same neighborhood.
Investigators also develop cases from information provided by informants.
Paid government informants often provide vague information concerning old homicides. The squad thoroughly researches and corroborates the information in an attempt to identify the particular case mentioned by the informant. Researching informant intelligence consumes a lot of time but has proven to be a reliable source of cases for the CCS and provides a way to match new information with stale cases. In many situations, the informant's statements concern a deceased homicide subject. If the information can be verified, the CCS closes the case administratively.