Undercover Online Investigations

This two day Undercover Online Investigations course is designed to equip law enforcement professionals with the necessary skills to create and manage online
undercover profiles, identify, and track suspects, and communicate with them while gathering evidence in criminal investigations. Participants will learn the fundamentals of creating and managing a credible online persona that can gain the trust of suspects and blend in with the target community. They will also be introduced to various social media and online communication platforms and learn how to identify and monitor suspicious activity and conversations. The course will also cover the legal and ethical considerations of conducting undercover online investigations, including privacy laws, entrapment, and the admissibility of digital evidence in court. Participants will learn how to document their investigations and maintain accurate records that can withstand legal scrutiny. By the end of this course, participants will have gained a thorough understanding of the key concepts and techniques for creating undercover profiles online, finding and communicating with suspects, and gathering digital evidence in criminal investigations. They will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct effective and lawful online investigations that can support the successful prosecution of criminal cases.

Topics Include:
• Legal issues regarding undercover accounts/chatting
•  Creation of undercover accounts
•  Maintaining undercover accounts
•  Apps to assist in undercover account investigations
•  Finding suspects using undercover accounts
•  Engaging with suspects
•  Capturing and presenting evidence obtained during communications
•  Exercises for students to demonstrate proficiency

Students will be provided a smart phone in class to begin building their undercover account from ground zero. Students will also receive a list of investigative resources in the class and shown numerous free databases/resources during the class.

No fee for MTU 8 member agencies. Non-member fee is $350 per student or $325 for groups of five or more. Non-members please register at www.covertmediaconsulting.com.

Who should attend: Officers, Detectives, SRO’s, Narcotics, Vice, Crime Analysts, etc. RESTRICTED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL

What to bring: This is a hands-on course, students are required to bring a laptop or tablet with internet access.