In the fall of 2002, the “K” Division Criminal Operations Officer requested a strategic analysis of all high risk missing females in the Province of Alberta. The Division Crime Analysis Section (DCAS) conducted an analysis and research into the current state of investigations regarding missing persons and unsolved homicides in Alberta. Based on specific criteria referred to as “High Risk Missing Persons” (HRMP) a report was submitted in November 2002.

In January 2003 the “K” Division Intelligence Officer made recommendations for a further review and analysis of these cases through the formation of a high risk missing person team (HRMPP- High Risk Missing Persons Project), with a further recommendation for the creation of a “Historical Homicide Unit (Cold Case Squad)”. This further analysis would incorporate the use of ViCLAS (Violent Crime Linkage Analysis Section) and Major Case Management protocols.

The HRMP Project’s mandate was to identify, collect, collate, evaluate, and analyze all high risk missing persons and unsolved homicide cases in Alberta and the North West Region (Alberta, Saskatchewan,  Manitoba, North West Territories, Nunavut) to determine if any cases were “potentially linked” and if possible to identify offenders.

Between September 2002 and April 2003, members of the RCMP Major Crimes Unit in Edmonton and Calgary, together with investigators from the detachments having jurisdiction, investigated the murders of five High Risk Missing Persons. Each of the victims lived a high risk life style involving prostitution and drugs in the City of Edmonton.

On October 14, 2003, after completion of Phase I & II Deputy Commissioner William SWEENEY, then-Commanding Officer "K" Division, established Project KARE (phase III) of the HRMPP to deal with cases from Alberta.