This is an independent study, self-paced course.
The internet is changing every day, and with these constant changes, it is important for law enforcement to keep up-to-date with the latest trends in social media and other tools available to assist with investigations. Sometimes Google is simply not enough.
Whether you are new to Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) or have been using it for years, this course will give you a better understanding of what is currently available on the internet. The information gathered during these searches is open and available to you without search warrants or subpoenas. We will show you the best ways to harvest data that will be useful to investigations and provide more awareness to better protect citizens from nefarious actions. Practical exercises incorporate each of the techniques covered during the course to give you a full understanding of how to find, gather, analyze, and report on the collected data.
Topics Include
- Gathering data from open sources
- Documentation of OSINT collection
- Advanced search techniques for social media platforms
- Developing an OSINT toolbox
- Social communities used by criminal organizations
- Investigative techniques for collection of digital evidence
- Legal processes for requesting data
- Creating covert accounts safely
- Reverse searches
- Google dorking
- Chrome and Firefox extensions
- Alternative search engines
- Deciphering IP addresses, email headers, metadata, and phone carriers
Audience
Detectives, patrol officers, intelligence analysts
This class is restricted to those who are actively employed by a law enforcement agency. Please submit a copy of your government ID with your registration form.
Course Length
8 hours
Online Details
Online environment: This is an independent study, self-paced course. Although there are no specific times that you must be online, you will be required to complete assignments by the deadlines posted within the course. You should plan to dedicate approximately eight (8) hours to the course activities. You must be committed to the course and invest the time necessary for successful completion.
Instructors are available to answer your questions during each module via the help forum. The course must be completed within 30 days upon registration. Once the 30-day period has ended, you may no longer have access and be required to re-enroll. Additional fees may apply.
Computer requirements: You will complete the course entirely online. A dependable broadband internet connection with a Windows or Mac computer and Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download) are required.
What Our Students Are Saying
- “I loved the variety and amount of tools provided for actual investigations.” – Inv. M.B.
- "The reference guides were excellent." – Inv. L.S.
- "I appreciated the many useful websites and shortcuts discussed which will be very useful." – Ofc. J.F.
- "I liked the videos that showed examples of the different resources actually in use." – Inv. K.T.
This course is not eligible for certificate discounts.