Various Search Engines

It can be useful to vary what search engines you use when you conduct open source research. Vet the results for accuracy. 

Search engines:

- Google

- Bing

- Yandex

- Baidu

- Yahoo

- Qwant

- DuckDuckGo

- Bravo

Do you have any to add to this list?

Geolocation Skills Video

 "In this tutorial, we will dive deep into the techniques of analysing footage for indications of locations by:

- Identifying routes of travel

- Use reference points like mountains and landmarks to narrow down search areas

- Using reconstructions of an area to help accurate geolocation.

The tutorial is not just about the theory; it's a hands-on guide that encourages viewers to practice alongside, by following the footage available on CNN and practicing using this walkthrough."

The link to video and more information cab be found here.

Stanford Online: Designing Your Career

Wherever you are in your analyst career - wannabe to expert - you can benefit from some thought about where you are and where you want to go.

This is a free online course from Stanford:

https://online.stanford.edu/courses/tds-y0003-designing-your-career

Report Writing: The Write Stuff

Listen to the podcast episode The Write Stuff to learn more about intelligence report writing.

 "Who said writing intelligence reports for policymakers is boring? Not us--and certainly not former DIA intelligence analyst turned Hollywood screenwriter Mitchell LaFortune. On this episode of DIA Connections, LaFortune talks about his creative approach to intelligence writing. Learn how it helped him when he left DIA for LA to write the screenplay for the action thriller Kandahar, a movie based on his experiences in Afghanistan."

Britannica’s Curiosity Compass: 10 Ways to Improve Your Curiosity

I think curiosity is the most valuable trait an analyst can have. It can be improved!

The Oxford Languages Dictionary defines curiosity as "a strong desire to know or learn something."

Explore this site to learn more about curiosity and improving it. 

 Britannica’s Curiosity Compass: 10 Ways to Improve Your Curiosity

Don't Limit Yourself

You have a number of possible approaches to use as a law enforcement analyst. You might favor some, such as mapping, statistics, reading reports to look for patterns, or investigating suspects. Don't limit yourself to any approach - develop a repetoire of approcahes.

Practice Data

Do you want to practice analyzing crime data?

There are a number of datasets available to the public.

Here is one resource:

Chicago Data Portal

Civilianization

The July 2024 Police Executive Research Forum Publication Embracing Civilianization: Integrating Professional Staff to Advance Modern Policing is available at this link.

"Skilled analysts are more essential than ever as law enforcement agencies increasingly rely on technology to help make decisions, solve crimes, deliver services, and provide transparency. These technologies range from abstract concepts such as predictive policing, intelligence-led policing, and artificial intelligence to concrete applications such as body-worn cameras, social media, gun- shot detection systems, closed-circuit television, and crime mapping. The analysts who develop and implement these systems must possess a wide range of expertise and skills. While there are certainly some police officers who may possess these abilities, they are more typically found in skilled professionals who come from outside policing."

I just hope that analysts don't get trapped into technology expert roles where their thinking skills are overlooked. Analysts don't have to be developers of systems, because developers are not analysts. I think true analysts interpret the meaning of information versus roles that require knowing how to use tools.

You are not the main character

Below is a letter of commendation for a detective whose work I supported when I was a crime analyst. If you are an aspiring analyst, note that you are never the main character in a police department. You support officers of all stripes, from the patrol officer, to the investigators and up to the commanders. Yet, while you may not be main character, this is very rewarding work. 

Synthetic Media

The Interpol Innovation Centre's 2024 report Beyond Illusions: Unmasking the Threat of Synthetic Media for Law Enforcement is available to download at the link on this post. 

From the report:

The accessibility and affordability of various AI platforms have enabled criminals to exploit this technology, leveraging synthetic media to propagate and perpetuate criminal activities. This poses considerable challenges for the global law enforcement community. Recognizing the diverse forms of synthetic media and its associated challenges, INTERPOL is committed to exploring this dynamic landscape to support our member countries in addressing both current and future threats posed by synthetic media.

Clink on this link to visit the site and learn more about synthetic media.

PrepTech Talk: Locating Justice - The Power of GIS in Law Enforcement

PrepTech Talk: Locating Justice - The Power of GIS in Law Enforcement

"The use of GIS in law enforcement has moved beyond traditional crime analytics. From field applications, to tactical and strategic dashboards, managing sensitive data, and empowering line-level personnel with geospatial tools, GIS is changing how law enforcement operates. Join us to learn about some of these uses in California and Maryland!

Objectives:

*Promote best practices and improve collaboration across law enforcement.

*Share efforts on how local law enforcement agencies are solving real-world problems.

*Raise awareness of the tools available to most agencies.

Speakers:

*Shelby Roberson - GIS Manager, Montgomery County Police Department

*Matt Harris - Crime Analyst, Santa Rose Police Department"

Read more about the agency:

"The National Alliance for Public Safety GIS (NAPSG) Foundation is currently the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides resources at no cost for the public safety community to help them implement effective solutions to common problems."

Interesting Read: Forensic Factsheets

While crime and intelligence analysts are not forensic specialists, it could be helpful to know more about this topic as we support investigations. Explore this site and be sure to click further into links to get the fullest level of information (if you are interested). 

From the American Academy of Forensic Sciences:

 "The AAFS Standards Factsheets provide a concise summary of each standard and facilitate broader understanding, they also highlight the purpose of a standard, why it is needed, and the benefits of adoption. These factsheets summarize the contents of technical and professional forensic science standards on the OSAC Registry."