Tag Archives: investigation case management

The Challenges of Multi-Jurisdictional Law Enforcement and the Need for Unified Investigation Software

In the complex world of law enforcement, multi-jurisdictional task forces such as Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task forces, drug task forces, anti-human trafficking task forces, cold case task forces, and others play a crucial role. However, these task forces often face significant challenges due to their multi-jurisdictional nature. This blog post will delve into these difficulties and discuss the need for a single multi-jurisdictional investigation software platform.

Multi-Jurisdictional investigation management.

 

The Multi-Jurisdictional Challenge
One of the primary challenges faced by these task forces is the coordination between different agencies. Each agency may have its own procedures, protocols, and systems, making it difficult to streamline operations across jurisdictions. This can lead to inefficiencies, miscommunication, and delays in investigations.

Another significant challenge is data management. Investigators often have to deal with vast amounts of data from various sources. Managing investigation data, ensuring its accuracy, and making it accessible to all relevant parties can be a daunting task.

Moreover, the legal complexities involved in multi-jurisdictional investigations can also pose challenges. Different jurisdictions may have different laws and regulations, and navigating these can be tricky.

The Need for a Unified Platform
Given these challenges, there is a clear need for a single multi-jurisdictional investigation software platform. Such a platform could offer several benefits:

  • Improved Coordination: A unified platform would allow investigators from different agencies to collaborate more effectively. They could share information, utilize a common police report software, coordinate their efforts, and work towards common goals more efficiently.
    Efficient Data Management: With a single platform, data from various sources could be consolidated and managed more effectively. This would make it easier for investigators to access and analyze the data they need.
    Streamlined Processes: A unified platform could help standardize procedures and protocols across different agencies. This would not only improve efficiency but also ensure that all investigations are conducted in accordance with the law.
    Faster Case Resolution: By improving coordination, data management, and processes, a unified platform could help investigators close cases more quickly. This would not only bring justice faster but also free up resources for other investigations.

While multi-jurisdictional law enforcement agencies face significant challenges, a unified investigation software platform could provide a solution. By enabling better coordination, efficient data management, streamlined processes, and faster case resolution, such a platform could revolutionize the way these agencies operate. As technology continues to advance, it’s time for law enforcement to leverage these advancements to overcome their challenges and enhance their capabilities.

Drug task force software, human trafficking software, investigation software, and law enforcement investigation software is key to these enhancements.

Georgia ICAC Task Force Deploys Case Closed Software for Statewide Triage of CyberTips and Investigation Case Management

Atlanta, Georgia – (January 2, 2024) The Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, housed within the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), has announced the deployment of Case Closed Software™ to enhance its efforts in combating online child predators. The investigation software will play a pivotal role in streamlining the handling of CyberTips from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), enabling law enforcement professionals to prioritize and investigate cases with greater precision and effectiveness.

The law enforcement software‘s powerful features provide invaluable support in the fight against child exploitation, ultimately making the community safer for everyone. Key features of the Case Closed Software include:

1. CyberTip Triage: The software allows for the efficient categorization of CyberTips received from NCMEC, ensuring that each tip is promptly reviewed and acted upon.

2. Case Management: It facilitates the seamless organization and tracking of investigations, digital evidence, physical evidence, supplemental reports, and entity management, making it easier for law enforcement agencies to manage their ICAC caseloads.

3. Data Analysis: The software offers advanced analytical tools, which can help identify patterns and connections among cases, aiding in the identification and capture of perpetrators.

4. User-Friendly Interface: Designed with the end user in mind, the software offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface, ensuring that law enforcement personnel can maximize its capabilities without extensive training.

The Georgia ICAC Task Force, under the leadership of GBI Director Chris Hosey, is committed to protecting children from online predators. The adoption of Case Closed Software’s innovative solution will enable the task force to better triage CyberTips from NCMEC, determine any connections across disparate CyberTips, and assign the cases to appropriate investigators and affiliates for investigative management purposes.

For more information about Case Closed Software, please visit https://www.caseclosedsoftware.com/icac

 

Enhancing the Fight Against Crimes Against Children

Crimes against children are among the most heinous and heartbreaking offenses in society. The need for swift and effective investigations to protect and seek justice for the youngest and most vulnerable members of our community is of utmost importance. In recent years, advances in technology have significantly impacted the realm of law enforcement and investigation. One such technological breakthrough is investigation case management software, a powerful tool that has revolutionized how law enforcement agencies tackle crimes against children.

In this article, we will explore the significance of investigation case management software in combatting these heinous crimes, drawing on insights from the upcoming Crimes Against Children Conference in Dallas.

The Prevalence of Crimes Against Children

Before delving into the impact of investigation case management software, it is essential to understand the gravity of crimes against children. Sadly, these offenses encompass a wide range of abuse, including physical abuse, sexual exploitation, child trafficking, and online predation. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, there were more than 1.6 million reports of child exploitation in 2021 alone, highlighting the need for robust investigative tools.

The Role of Investigation Case Management Software

Investigation case management software, such as the one offered by Case Closed Software™, has emerged as a game-changer in the fight against crimes targeting children. This advanced software solution provides law enforcement agencies with a comprehensive platform to manage and streamline investigations, making it easier for investigators to track, analyze, and act on critical information.

Streamlined Data Management and Collaboration

One of the primary challenges faced by law enforcement agencies when dealing with crimes against children is the vast amount of data involved in these investigations. From witness statements to digital evidence, the sheer volume can overwhelm investigators. Investigation case management software allows for centralized data storage, facilitating seamless collaboration among multiple departments and agencies. This streamlined data management ensures that investigators have quick access to all relevant information, leading to faster case resolutions.

Integration of Advanced Analytical Tools

Case Closed Software integrates cutting-edge analytical tools, such as link analysis and data visualization, that aid investigators in connecting the dots between seemingly unrelated pieces of information. These tools are particularly invaluable in complex cases involving child exploitation networks and online predators. By analyzing and mapping relationships between suspects, victims, and key pieces of evidence, investigators can build stronger cases and identify criminal patterns more efficiently.

Improved Case Visibility and Accountability

With investigation case management software, supervisors and administrators gain real-time visibility into ongoing cases. This enhanced oversight enables them to monitor progress, allocate resources effectively, and ensure accountability throughout the investigative process. As a result, law enforcement agencies can better prioritize cases involving children, giving these cases the attention they deserve.

Crimes Against Children Conference (CACC)

 

The Crimes Against Children Conference in Dallas (August 6 – 10, 2023)  provides a platform for law enforcement professionals to share knowledge, best practices, and experiences related to investigating crimes against children. Incorporating investigation case management software into these discussions allows attendees to understand the software’s practical application and the advantages it offers. Moreover, it facilitates the exchange of valuable insights, enabling agencies to optimize their use of the software for more effective investigations.

Conclusion

Investigation case management software has emerged as a powerful ally in the fight against crimes against children. Its ability to streamline data management, facilitate collaboration, integrate advanced analytical tools, and support digital forensics has significantly improved the efficacy of law enforcement investigations. As we continue to battle the heartbreaking crimes committed against our children, the integration of technology, like the software offered by Case Closed Software, ensures that law enforcement agencies have the necessary tools to bring perpetrators to justice and protect the innocent.

By leveraging technology and fostering knowledge-sharing platforms like the Crimes Against Children Conference in Dallas, we can collectively work towards a safer and more secure future for our children.

Waco Police Department Selects Case Closed Software for Gang and Narcotics Investigations.

Waco, Texas – The City of Waco Police Department has selected specialized criminal investigation software from Case Closed Software™ to manage investigations into gangs and narcotics crimes. The new gang investigation software will provide officers with the tools they need to effectively investigate and track criminal activity in these areas, allowing them to more efficiently gather and analyze data to build strong cases.

“Gang and narcotics crimes are two of the most serious challenges facing law enforcement agencies in Waco and across the country”, said Case Closed Software’s CEO Douglas Wood. “These crimes often involve complex networks of individuals and can be difficult to investigate and prosecute. The new system, which includes confidential informant management software  will help better identify and track criminal activity, and build stronger cases against those who would do harm.”

According to recent data from the Waco Police Department, narcotics-related offenses have been on the rise in recent years, with a particular increase in the abuse of opioids and other prescription drugs. The department has also reported a rise in gang activity, with several local gangs being linked to drug trafficking and other serious crimes.

Case Closed Software is a leading provider of CJIS-compliant, cloud-based criminal investigation software and has been deployed by law enforcement agencies across the country. The software is designed specifically to help investigators manage complex cases involving gangs and narcotics, providing tools for gang analysis, investigation management, and organizational reporting.

The new software is expected to be implemented in the coming weeks, and officers will receive training on how to use it effectively. The City of Waco Police Department remains committed to providing the highest level of service to the community and will continue to explore new technologies and tools to support its mission.

Case Closed Software has also recently announced that its software was being deployed for Baldwin County (GA) Sheriff’s Office.

For more information on Case Closed Software, please visit their website at www.caseclosedsoftware.com.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing Selects Case Closed Software for Managing Criminal Investigations

Washington D.C., July 2, 2022 – The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), a bureau of the United States Department of the Treasury responsible for producing currency, has selected Case Closed Software™ to manage its criminal investigations.

Case Closed Software is a leading provider of investigation management software for law enforcement and government agencies. The platform streamlines investigation processes and provides advanced tools for managing case information, evidence, and tasks.

“We are thrilled to be selected by the BEP for this important project,” said Douglas Wood, CEO of Case Closed Software. “Our software will help the BEP streamline its investigation processes and provide its investigators with the tools they need to effectively manage their cases.”

The BEP has a critical role in protecting the integrity of the U.S. currency system. Its Office of Investigations is responsible for conducting investigations into counterfeiting, theft, and other crimes related to currency production. By adopting Case Closed Software, the BEP will be able to more efficiently manage its investigations, streamline its processes, and enhance its overall investigative capabilities.

For more information about Case Closed Software, please visit the company’s website at www.caseclosedsoftware.com.

About Case Closed Software™: Case Closed Software is a leading provider of investigation management software for law enforcement and government agencies. The platform streamlines investigation processes and provides advanced tools for managing case information, evidence, and tasks.

About Bureau of Engraving and Printing: The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is a bureau of the United States Department of the Treasury responsible for producing currency. The BEP’s Office of Investigations is responsible for conducting investigations into counterfeiting, theft, and other crimes related to currency production.

Louisiana Department of Revenue selects Case Closed Software™ for Investigating Fraud and Other Crimes.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 13, 2023

Baton Rouge, LA – The Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) has selected Case Closed Software™ as its primary software for investigating fraud and other crimes. The LDR is responsible for protecting the state’s revenue and financial resources, and the selection of Case Closed Software™ as its primary software will enhance its ability to detect and investigate fraud and other crimes.

The selection of Case Closed Software was based on the system’s advanced capabilities which will help LDR more effectively investigate an array of fraud types, protect taxpayer dollars, and ensure the integrity of the state’s revenue.

“We are honored to have been selected by the Louisiana Department of Revenue as its primary software for investigating fraud and other crimes,” said Case Closed Software CEO Douglas Wood. “Our software is designed to help law enforcement and government agencies like the LDR effectively conduct criminal investigations, and we are committed to supporting their efforts to protect the state’s revenue and financial resources.”

For more information about Case Closed Software, please visit our website at www.caseclosedsoftware.com.

END OF RELEASE

What is Investigation Case Management Software?

Today’s complex criminal and serious investigations cannot be effectively managed with thumb drives, SharePoint, cloud folders, paper forms, and sticky notes. Times have changed and the introduction of investigation management and case management software for police is now an integral part of any specialized investigative agency.

What is Investigation Software?

Investigation case management software such as that from Case Closed Software™ is a purpose-built system that assists investigators triage investigative cases, track the involved entities, record supplemental reports and case actions, and generally help users close cases faster and more efficiently.

Investigation software (aka case management software) is specifically designed to help users collaborate and work efficiently with team members – whether they are across the aisle, or across the globe.

Investigation management software is more than fancy graphs and big data analytics. It’s also more than simple incident tracking. Many vendors will try to convince you otherwise because they lack true case management functionality.

True investigation case management software allows agencies of any type to triage new tips and leads, assign them to appropriate agents, track all related case entities such as people, places, and things (vehicles, evidence, organizations, IP Addresses, etc) in an easy-to-use and intuitive fashion.

Importantly, investigation software and incident management software allows agencies including law enforcement, anti-human trafficking groups, drug task forces, national police agencies, federal agencies, internet crimes against children (ICAC) task forces and more can quickly log and analyze all investigative case materials with built-in flexible workflow for approvals.

Top 20 Things to Look For When Procuring a Case Management System

When considering investigation case management software, agencies should look for the following must-haves:

  1. A proven and delighted install base.
  2. Tips and Leads management with the ability to promote them to a full investigation.
  3. Master databases (fully searchable) of all case entities
  4. Organizations and gang databases for organized crime
  5. Multi-Jurisdictional capabilities
  6. Real time multi-language functionality
  7. 28 CFR Part 23 compliant Criminal Intelligence
  8. Evidence management including full chain of custody
  9. Customizable workflow
  10. Case Visualization and Link Analysis
  11. Confidential Informants and whistleblower management
  12. Criminal charges and statutes functionality
  13. Operations planning
  14. Task and Assignments management
  15. Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) Compliance
  16. Photo lineup functionality
  17. Remote Case Review (For sharing with prosecutors or LE)
  18. Multimedia attachments
  19. Customizable case reports
  20. World-class support and system maintenance

In short, investigation management software helps you conduct more efficient and, effective investigations. Case Closed Software is the leader in the investigation case management industry.

U.S. based Case Closed Software™ is a recognized leader in the development of investigation case management software and is a true investigation software company.

Texas HIDTA Drug Task Force Deploys Case Closed Software™

A large, multi-jurisdictional drug task force in Texas has turned to Case Closed Software™ in its fight against drug trafficking, in partnership with the U.S. High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Program.

The drug task force consists of several county and local law enforcement agencies in conjunction with the District Attorney’s Office.

The HIDTA program, created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, provides assistance to Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States.

The HIDTA’s mission is to reduce drug availability by creating intelligence-driven drug task forces aimed at eliminating or reducing domestic drug trafficking and its harmful consequences through enhancing and helping to coordinate drug trafficking control efforts among federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

By deploying drug task force software from Case Closed Software, agents across the county can track cases, suspects, reports, evidence and an array of other information to increase prosecution and conviction rates.

 

Best Practices for NGO Investigations Into Human Trafficking

Introduction

The investigation of human trafficking – and the rescue of victims – is a complex undertaking with many moving parts.

Investigations of human traffickers, and the subsequent rescue of victims, is a very complex undertaking. Unlike more traditional criminal investigations, there is rarely ‘one suspect’, ‘one victim’, or ‘one location’.

Instead, the crime of human trafficking takes place in a shady world that consists of multiple entities. Multiple perpetrators who work for multiple criminal organizations. Multiple victims who are trafficked by multiple pimps in multiple locations. These variables can make human trafficking a hidden crime that is difficult to investigate. The cost of not investigating, however, is the loss of lives, the loss of freedom, and the loss of innocence.

One particularly complicating feature of human trafficking investigations is the relationships between victims and traffickers. Traffickers initially use force, fraud, or coercion to lure their victims and force them into labor or commercial sexual exploitation. They seek out victims who may be susceptible to their lies for a variety of reasons including economic hardship, psychological or emotional instability, or other socio-economic disadvantages.

Victims of human trafficking are often helpless to call out for help, making the crime even more difficult to investigate.

Once lured by the traffickers, victims rarely have an opportunity to speak out or call for help. Language barriers, fear of their attackers, lack of a social safety net, and a general feeling of helplessness overwhelm the victims. Thus, the crime becomes difficult to investigate.

But investigate we must. The cost of turning our backs on this global problem is simply too high.

This overview will focus on some best practices for managing investigations into human trafficking, the capture of perpetrators, and the rescue of victims. A haphazard approach to these sensitive and complex investigations is likely to cause more harm than good, and these best practices are designed to help your organization maximize your productivity and safely rescue more victims.

Best Practice #1 – Stay Organized

The first best practice we need to discuss is ‘Staying Organized’. What might start off as a Tip that a young girl is being sold for sex in a local hotel may quickly grow in scope to include multiple victims, multiple locations, multiple pimps, and multiple abusers. These criminal enterprises thrive in the dark and, like cockroaches, simply scatter and disappear once light is shone. The practice of staying organized helps ensure that no intelligence or evidence falls through the cracks, giving the traffickers time to scatter and hide.

Using investigation case management software, such as that provided by Case Closed Software™, helps human trafficking investigators plan and stay organized.

Use investigation case management software. There are simply too many ‘moving parts’ within a human trafficking enterprise to attempt to stay organized without a purpose-built database. Spreadsheets, notes, cloud folders… these are all yesterday’s tools that cannot adequately manage today’s investigations.

With your case management software, track every tip that you receive. Some tips may be stronger than others. Some may lead to full-blown investigations, and some may not. In any case, track and store each tip that you receive as you never, ever know when information from those tips may become relevant to your ongoing investigations.

Triage every tip you can. Spend a moment to search your case management system to determine if anything about a tip relates to any current or past investigation. You can’t do this with paper files or spreadsheets. Perform some online research on the subject(s) of the tips to gauge how reliable the information might be. If the tip initially lacks the actionable or credible information to assign resources, keep the data in the case management system for future use. If the tip does contain actionable and credible information, use the case management system to prepare an actual Investigative Case and assign resources immediately.

A key to a successful investigation and rescue is tracking all of the actions being taken and sharing that information with the appropriate team members.

Importantly, in terms of Staying Organized, use your case management process to track each action being taken on the investigation. Did someone perform some Open Source Intelligence on the suspected location? Log that information electronically so that it does not fall through the cracks.

Has an agent visited the suspected location to determine if there are likely victims there? Log that into the system. Store any videos or photographs that the investigator made and attach them right to that case.

Log and maintain notes and related files on every action taken on your human trafficking cases. Make them safe, secure, and easy to access by other team members.

Organization is the KEY to any criminal investigation, and even more so for investigations into human trafficking.

Best Practice #2 – Securely Share Information in Real-Time

Investigations into human trafficking and victim rescues are complex and cannot occur in a vacuum. Much like the criminal enterprises themselves have multiple roles such as kidnappers, transporters, handlers, and pimps for example, so must your investigation team have specialized roles. Your undercover ‘john’ cannot be the same as your public-facing advocate, for example.

Sharing information across jurisdictions, cultures, and languages can be difficult. Use case management software from Case Closed Software™ to facilitate understanding.

The key to ensuring that everyone involved in the investigation is successful is sharing information. In an environment where traffickers are always on the lookout for potential risks to their operation, it’s of utmost importance that your operational team all be on the same page so that no missteps occur.

This type of alerting and information sharing cannot be done by text messages or word-of-mouth. It must occur within a fool-proof system of secure information sharing where there is no room for ambiguity. Lives depend upon it.

All of the actions and intelligence that is gathered during an investigation should be securely stored in your case management system. The moment a member of the investigation team submits new information, all other permitted team members should have secure, online access to the new information whether they are notes, videos, photographs or other file types. The removal of ambiguity or misinterpretation is key to ensuring that all team members are aware of the case status at all times.

Human trafficking is a global problem. Language barriers should not stand in the way of investigations and rescues.

As an aside, for multi-jurisdictional investigations, teams should ensure that individual members can view the information in the language of their choice in real-time. If the information was entered by an investigator in Brazil using Portuguese, that information should immediately be readable to a team member in Colombia who understands only Spanish. Always focus on ensuring your team members have access to accurate information in real-time. When time is lost, the cockroaches scatter.

Ensuring that sensitive data is available only to those with proper permissions is vital to keeping human trafficking investigations on track.

In those unique situations where individual team members do NOT require access to the information, perhaps because an investigation is particularly sensitive or involves public officials, your case management system should have capabilities to disallow them from viewing the update. This keeps information in the correct hands, while still furthering the integrity of the data-sharing requirement.

Only when information is shared in real-time can managers and team leaders best determine the next steps for the investigation and rescue of victims.

Best Practice #3 – Maintain Investigation Privacy and Integrity

As mentioned above, human trafficking organizations are like cockroaches. The moment they sense something is going to shine a light on them, they disappear into the woodwork. This most tragic of outcomes is painful for both the investigators and victims alike.

Keeping the investigation lights off, therefore, must be a strategic goal of human trafficking investigations. Assigning roles to your team, and ensuring that all members are adhering to those roles, is one way to keep your actions covert and secure. If a team member’s role is to pose as an interested buyer of sex, that team member should probably not also be involved in general reconnaissance of crime scenes where he or she may be recognized.

Policies and procedures exist for a reason. Ensure that they are followed. Even seemingly small mistakes can cause an investigation to derail.

Another way to ensure privacy and integrity is to utilize cutting-edge access policies to ensure that information is not accessed by outsiders or, worse yet, an insider to your team. Ensure, therefore, that EVERY SINGLE KEYSTROKE into your case management system is logged and reviewable. If your suspect organization packed up and left mere days before your major rescue and arrest operation, its important to know how that happened. Who accessed the information in your case management system, and why?

Make sure that the information your team is electronically storing is secure. Very secure. Use globally recognized and proven data security standards to protect all data and access to it. Ensure that all team members are trained and well-versed on any systems you are using for investigations.

There can never be too much integrity in a human trafficking investigation, and there can never be too much privacy. Loose lips sink ships. The same goes for loose investigation procedures. The line between a rescued victim and a lost opportunity is thin. Use investigation privacy and integrity to walk that line more effectively.

Best Practice #4 – Share Information with Senior Law Enforcement or Trusted Partners

As a team of human trafficking investigators, you recognize the seriousness and horror of human beings – like you, like me, like our daughters, sons, and grandchildren – being bought and sold for pleasure. You understand the misery of the victims and feel compelled to help. Good. That makes you a good person.

Law Enforcement agencies, however, do not typically act as emotional human beings. They have full caseloads involving homicides, drugs, corruption, and a host of other traditional crimes. Too often, they view human trafficking as merely ‘prostitution’. If a person wants to sell his or her body in exchange for money, there are no victims and, therefore, these cases can often receive a very low priority. Many times, they are dismissed out of hand.

The job of the human trafficking investigation team, therefore, is to get the attention of senior local law enforcement partners in a direct and meaningful manner… one that compels the officers to work with your team in rescues and arrests.

When meeting with Law Enforcement partners, be prepared.

Our history and background suggest that engaging senior law enforcement ‘too early’ adds risk to the investigation. Remember, loose lips sink ships, and these cases are often viewed as unimportant.

Sadly, our experience also shows that involving senior partners ‘too late’ is problematic as police departments are often reluctant to become involved in situations that they have not directly controlled and cannot easily verify the integrity of the work done prior to their involvement.

So, the answer of when to involve your senior partners is unique to each case and each situation. That decision can’t be covered in detail here. Instead, the method used to involve local senior law enforcement – whenever that transpires – is a factor that you can and should control to maximize the potential for a successful operation.

Sharing a full case file with Law Enforcement is vital to achieving their assistance. Wherever possible, use specific statutes and violation codes to help your partners understand the work you’ve put in.

Going in to meet with your prospective law enforcement partner should be a pleasant experience. Your team has built a good case and you’re ready to involve the authorities to help finalize the operation. Going in unprepared, however, will result in disappointment or disaster. As advocates for the prosecution of these types of crimes, you’re full of passion. Best practices, however, show that it is equally important to be full of actionable facts, evidence, and proof.

Therefore, best practices suggest that you build a ‘case file’ as you prepare to meet with law enforcement or senior management. On television, they sometimes call the visual representation of this case file a ‘murder board’. Make sure you have one. Make sure your case file lists ALL of the entities involved in your case. Make sure it includes all of the specific actions you’ve taken. Make sure it includes all of the audio, video, photos, and other evidence you’ve gathered.

Make sure the case file clearly shows the human trafficking operation. Who is in charge? Who are victims? What locations are involved? Who are the supporting witnesses?

Without an easy-to-digest case file, your chance of getting senior law enforcement’s attention diminishes quickly. So, utilize your case management system to very clearly outline the case in a compelling and thorough manner.

Best Practice #5 – Plan, Plan, and Plan Again

The final best practice is Operational Planning. Not to overstate it, but as I’ve said earlier human traffickers are cockroaches. At the first sign of light, you’ll lose them. Every time.

The final best practice for investigating human trafficking is perhaps the most important. Plan.

The biggest key to a successful human trafficking investigation boils down to three elements: Plan, Plan, and Plan Again!

Plan, then plan again, and then plan once more. Plan your response to every initial tip. Plan your initial investigation work into every case. Plan the tasks and mission of every operative involved in your case. Plan how to get case information into the hands of those who need it in real-time. Plan to keep the investigation quiet so as not to risk the cockroaches running.

Plan every covert operation as if lives depended upon it. They might. Plan in advance what the ‘panic’ word is. Plan in advance what hand signals your operative might use if audio fails. Plan in advance to know where the nearest trauma center is. Plan in advance to know what other risks are present. Dogs? Security? Children?

Plan and make that plan available to everyone who needs to see it. Share that plan in your case management system and know when every user has read it.

Finally, plan to present your case in a compelling manner to senior law enforcement officials. And then work with them on a plan to successfully pull victims out of harm’s way and arrest the bad guys.

Summary of Best Practices

Software from Case Closed Software™ helps NGO’s and other parties manage successful investigations into human trafficking.

We have covered some of the key ingredients to a successful human trafficking investigation and rescue. Of course, no operation ever goes exactly as you expect, but by ensuring that you are following these best practices – staying organized, sharing internal information, maintaining investigation integrity, effectively engaging with senior law enforcement officials, and conducting meticulous planning – you greatly increase the likelihood that your efforts will result in the wonderful rescue of victims and the prosecution and incarceration of the perpetrators.

By Douglas Wood, entrepreneur and investigation management professional.

Copyright 2021 Case Closed Software™

Case Closed Software™️ in the News: 9 Dogs Rescued from NC Dogfighting Ring

GASTON COUNTY, N.C.  – 9 pitbull terriers from a home in Gaston County, NC are safe today after being rescued from a dogfighting ring earlier this week.

Janette Reever of the Humane Society International’s global anti-dogfighting team says that the animals are on their way now to an undisclosed shelter run by specialists in rehabilitating abused animals.

Janette Reever heads up the anti-dog fighting team at the Humane Society International

The Humane Society International uses specialized investigation management software from Texas-based Case Closed Software™ to track and investigate dogfighting and other forms of animal abuse around the globe. ™

“It’s not just medical treatment, it’s complete mind and body therapy,” Reever explained. “Removing them off their collars, you can see their relief. They know they’re being taken away.”

She says the animals have already been treated with antibiotics and pain killers for their injuries.

“What’s so unique about American Pitbull Terriers, or pitbulls in general, is that they are so loyal,” Reever said. “That’s why they are terribly exploited. You can do horrific things to them and they will still love you and still want to fight to the death for you.”

Reever says seven dogs were rescued from dogfighting on Wednesday. Two weeks prior, two dogs were rescued from animal cruelty.

One man faces eighteen felony charges related to dogfighting, cruelty to animals, and possession of drugs.