This presentation will discuss different perspectives, techniques, and considerations when engaging in online covert communications between law enforcement and a potential subject. Specifically, the presentation will examine differences in “chatting” when the law enforcement officer is portraying either a male or female persona. Moreover, when chatting with potential subjects, law enforcement should consider the possibility of trial and as such, considerations to support this aspect will be presented (i.e., the importance of the interview, obtaining a search warrant in conjunction with an arrest, elements of forensics, etc.). The presentation will also review techniques to identify additional victims and/or subjects on different chatting platforms (i.e., SnapChat, Kik, etc.) through the use of mobile forensics. Case examples will be presented to further elucidate the techniques and considerations.
Learning Objectives:
To identify different techniques and considerations for online covert operations and child exploitation operations
To introduce different perspectives and skills while engaging in online covert operation
To introduce cell phone forensic methods to identify/locate new victims and/or subjects
