OPEN-SOURCE INTELLIGENCE

Criminal Investigations in today’s modern world are conducted, solved and successfully prosecuted in a manner which is significantly and fundamentally different than it was in years past.  In addition to the advancements in technology, forensic science, digital evidence analysis and complex forensic techniques, there is another “tool” that belongs in our investigative toolboxes and unfortunately, it is often underutilized for a wide variety of reasons.  That name of the “tool” that can have a profound impact on criminal investigations in today’s modern world is called Open-Source Intelligence.  

Open-Source Intelligence is defined as the practice of gathering and analyzing publicly available information to gain insights and make decisions.  Some examples as to where this valuable information could possibly be found is on the internet, news outlets, public records databases, social media network platforms and discussion platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, X (Formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, You Tube, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Discord, Telegram, Reddit, Tumblr, WeChat, Pinterest and Twitch.  The information that can be obtained by using the methods of Open-Source Intelligence offers law enforcement officers and prosecutors many benefits.   The primary benefit is that law enforcement officers are not required to obtain a search warrant in order to obtain information from Open-Source Intelligence methods since all of the information was obtained from publicly available sources.  In addition to not needing a search warrant, the other benefits to becoming proficient at locating and analyzing Open-Source Intelligence is that it speeds up the ability to gather information, it enhances investigative capabilities, and it is very cost-effective compared to many other investigative methods.    

The Lead Instructor for this informative 8-hour class is Alixandra Buckelew, a seasoned prosecutor assigned to the Homicide Trial Unit for the Broward County State Attorney’s Office.  ASA Buckelew is well versed in all of the social media platforms and all things modern technology.  She has personally used the information obtained from Open-Source Intelligence methods to positively identify several previously unidentified witnesses and suspects in recent murder cases.  Participants attending this scenario-based training course will learn valuable tools and techniques from ASA Buckelew on how to collect, process, analyze and implement the information obtained from a wide variety of publicly available sources such as social media platforms, search engines, public record databases, and the dark web.  There is an abundance of information out there, you just have to know where to look.  ASA Buckelew will show you where to look!!

*** It should be noted that this course is extremely beneficial to Assistant State/District Attorneys.  Prosecutors are highly encouraged to attend this training because ASA Buckelew will be demonstrating how and where to find this valuable information within seconds.  Obtaining critical personal information about individuals this quickly will certainly help Assistant State/District Attorneys during jury selection.  By being able to effectively use Open-Source Intelligence methods, prosecutors will also discover information that will assist them in making a better assessment of the victims, witnesses, and suspects associated with their cases during the important stages of the legal process.