This course is offered as an 8-hour, 1-day course.

Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) is the practice of collecting and analyzing information from publicly available sources and tools, and it has become an indispensable skill for today’s investigators. In law enforcement, OSINT is not just about finding information—it’s about turning that information into actionable intelligence, generating new leads, and gathering evidence that can stand up in court. This training equips investigators with the skills needed to lawfully and effectively navigate the digital landscape where criminals operate.

This eight-hour course is designed for beginning to intermediate investigators who want to sharpen their ability to conduct online research and digital investigations. Attendees will be introduced to a wide range of free investigative and analytical tools that can dramatically expand their capabilities without the need for costly software. They will learn how to effectively use social media platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, Telegram, Discord, and Reddit, where much of today’s criminal activity and communication takes place.

The class also covers essential skills for working undercover online, including practical “do’s and don’ts” that help investigators stay safe and maintain the integrity of their operations. Participants will learn methods for analyzing YouTube videos and accounts, tracing email and internet protocol (IP) addresses, and investigating websites for hidden or overlooked information.

Beyond social media and online platforms, students will gain techniques for conducting deep searches on people, email addresses, phone numbers, and usernames. The course emphasizes advanced internet searching strategies and the importance of properly preserving digital evidence. Investigators will also explore resources for researching businesses and nonprofit organizations, giving them broader tools to connect individuals to entities and uncover fraudulent activity.

By the end of the course, participants will leave with a strong foundation in OSINT methodology, a toolkit of practical techniques, and the confidence to apply these skills directly to their cases. This training provides a hands-on, real-world approach that ensures law enforcement professionals can effectively leverage open-source intelligence to stay ahead of criminals in today’s digital environment.