The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Sexual Assault Unit was receiving a growing number of DNA hits on old cases coming from the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), a national database that stores DNA profiles from convicted offenders and evidence from other violent and non-violent crimes. In January 2006, the Cold Case Unit was formed to further investigate these cases.

The Unit reviews older cases to uncover new leads that may point them to the identity of the perpetrator. 

A key part of the work involves examining evidence that may be submitted to the crime laboratory for processing using updated technology. They also review victim and witness statements and, when possible, re-interview people.