One of the questions API received is: What is Open-Source Intelligence? As defined by Wikipedia, open-source intelligence (OSINT) is the collection and analysis of data gathered from open sources (overt sources and publicly available information) to produce actionable intelligence.
Collecting OSINT data is achieved through social media, internet search engines, public records, and the use of databases. With the above definition in mind, understanding how OSINT data is sourced, and knowing Colorado has no licensing regulations for private-sector investigations, anyone can use OSINT to investigate another individual, group of individuals, or businesses/entities.
If anyone can use OSINT, why hire a professional investigator for OSINT investigations? The answer to this question comes down to the analysis of the information, the comprehensiveness of the information being sought, and the skill of the investigator in testifying to how the information was sourced, as well as testifying in an objective manner.
For the analysis portion, a skilled investigator must take portions of information and use cross-referencing to ensure what was found applies to the subject in question. Think of a very common name like Bob Smith. The investigator has to ensure that the information for the subject of the investigation is located and turned over in the work product for that unique individual, and not the many other Bob Smiths that will inevitably be found during the course of the investigation.
For the comprehensiveness of the information, the investigator needs the skill to find as much of the information that is relevant to the investigation. Databases that purport to find everything under one don’t exist. Think of the iceberg analogy. The information that is above the water is easily located. The large mass of the iceberg is under the water and in many different places. That information that is not readily seen is more difficult to locate. An investigator with expertise in OSINT will locate, cross reference and gather the desired information in a thorough manner.
Providing testimony on OSINT investigations also requires the expertise of a professional investigator. The sourcing of the OSINT investigation should be preserved for testimony. Professional investigators have tools that organize and preserve the sources used for OSINT investigations. Also important for testimony, independent investigators as a third party are, or at least should be non-biased with their findings. By conducting every part of the investigation in an objective manner, the independent investigator will be able to provide objective testimony as well.
To summarize, any case that is anticipated to have litigation, or simply to maximize the results of OSINT, requires someone specialized in OSINT investigations. Continued training as well as frequent delving into the OSINT world is vital for proficiency in these investigations. API has the expertise to provide clients with comprehensive, accurate, verifiable and objective OSINT investigations.