The idea of custom card decks featuring unsolved cases is not a new concept. In fact, cold case playing cards have been created and distributed in several other states, such as Kansas, Washington, and Florida among others. Furthermore, it's been reported that several cold cases from across the country have been solved thanks to leads obtained as a result of these special decks.
IPI played a significant role in the creation of the playing cards, creating the designs, die-cutting the individual cards, and producing the outer boxes for each deck. The final card designs were decided via a contest-style selection process, in which members from our talented design team submitted their ideas to be chosen for the end product. The cards themselves ran through IPI's Graphic Arts print shop at Anamosa State Penitentiary, which provided the incarcerated men in the program with valuable training hours and experience operating the necessary equipment. The Graphic Arts shop provides approximately 25,000 hours of training annually for participants, with this playing card project contributing greatly to this year's figure.
IPI is proud to have been the provider for this first edition run of playing cards, which will hopefully generate leads and information to help solve cases and provide answers. Approximately 10,000 decks were produced for this first run, and we look forward to the potential opportunity to collaborate on more products that can lead to positive change. Thank you to the Iowa DOC, Iowa Attorney General's Office, Iowa Police Chief's Association, Iowa Sheriffs & Deputies Association, Iowa Department of Public Safety - DCI, and the Iowa County Attorneys Association for bringing this project to fruition!
If you have any information regarding a cold case, please contact the Iowa Attorney General's Office at 800-242-5100 or email coldcase@ag.iowa.gov.