Did you know that many States all over the USA are actually implementing this card program? The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is apparently using a rather unorthodox way to try to have inmates provide information related to unsolved murders as well as other violent crimes within the state.
According to 9news.com, the Colorado state has issued playing cards to its prisons, and each playing card shows printed information regarding cold cases on the front. About 1,700 cold cases or unsolved crimes are available on the cards. Each card has basically a summarized information about one unsolved crime, along with a picture of the victim. The report said that there were no plans to make these cards available to the public eye, and was meant for inmates only.
Many of us may think this is new, but similar programs have been implemented in Connecticut and South Carolina.
According to Slate.com, at least 17 states have utilized the card program since 2005. The card programs were inspired by the cards that showed members of Saddam Hussein's regime that were used by US troops during the war in Iraq.
So far, CBI says they have not solved any cold cases from inmates using the cards yet, but are hopeful that someday, this unique strategy would make a difference to any unsolved crime.
Sources:
How decks of cards for Colorado inmates might solve cold cases
http://www.9news.com/news/crime/how-decks-of-cards-for-colorado-inmates-might-solve-cold-cases/406476478
An Ingenious New Way of Solving Cold Cases
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/crime/2016/02/cold_case_playing_cards_are_an_ingenious_new_way_of_cracking_unsolved_crimes.html