09/04/2026
Beaumont Police Department and Lamar University Launch Cold Case Homicide Internship Program
The Beaumont Police Department is proud to announce a new partnership with Lamar University’s Criminal Justice program establishing a Cold Case Homicide Internship Program, bringing law enforcement and academia together to take a fresh look at unresolved homicide cases.
The program officially begins today as participating students attend their first class and begin learning the process they will use to review selected BPD cold cases.
Through the program, students will work alongside Beaumont Police Department investigators and Lamar University faculty to conduct structured reviews of cold case homicide investigations. Their work will focus on identifying investigative gaps, reviewing evidence and determining whether advances in forensic science, technology or analytical methods may provide new opportunities in cases that have remained unsolved.
“This partnership gives us an opportunity to bring fresh eyes and new perspectives to cases that have remained unsolved while providing students with meaningful, real-world experience,” said Lieutenant James Sliger, who developed the program. “Our hope is that a thorough review may identify something that deserves another look, whether that is evidence that can now be tested using modern technology, a witness who should be re-interviewed or an investigative lead that can be revisited.”
Students will work in an analytical and support capacity under the supervision of BPD investigators and university faculty, with safeguards in place to protect the integrity and confidentiality of each investigation.
"At Lamar University, we believe education is most powerful when it extends beyond the classroom and into the community. This groundbreaking partnership with the Beaumont Police Department allows our students to engage in meaningful, hands-on learning while contributing to efforts that matter deeply to victims' families and our region. The Cold Case Homicide Internship Program is more than an educational opportunity; it is a testament to the power of collaboration, service, and the pursuit of justice. We are proud to prepare future criminal justice professionals while supporting the important work of bringing renewed attention and hope to unresolved cases” said Karen Roebuck (Instructor of Criminal Justice and Director of Internship and Career Services) and Tim Brewer (Instructor of Criminal Justice & Former FBI Special Agent).
The partnership provides BPD with an additional resource to systematically revisit older investigations while giving Lamar University students an opportunity to apply their education to meaningful, real-world criminal justice work.
Most importantly, the program provides another avenue to pursue answers for victims and families affected by unresolved homicides.
A case may be cold, but it is never forgotten.
