S1E8 | How law enforcement is using OSINT

Summary

In this episode of Needlestack, hosts Matt Ashburn and Jeff Phillips interview Richard Denholm, a law enforcement legal expert with nearly three decades of experience, including time with the FBI. Denholm discusses the role of open-source intelligence (OSINT) in law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of understanding privacy laws and civil liberties. He highlights the challenges of discerning accurate information in a sea of public data and the impact of disinformation campaigns, particularly in the context of current world events like the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Denholm also addresses the application of OSINT in the private sector, stressing the need for businesses to be aware of privacy laws and the value of accurate intelligence for decision-making.

Takeaways

• 📢 Open source intelligence (OSINT) is not limited to social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook; it encompasses millions of publicly available information sources.
• 👮‍♂️ Law enforcement agencies require skilled analysts and expertise to navigate the vast array of publicly available information for investigations.
• 📚 Richard Denholm, a law enforcement legal expert, has published a textbook titled 'Intelligence Studies Anthology: Foundational Concepts and Case Studies for the 21st Century'.
• 🔍 During his FBI tenure, Richard Denholm worked on high-level public corruption investigations and was involved in the conviction of a U.S. congressman.
• 🌐 As Deputy Director of the OCDAF fusion center, Richard Denholm focused on open source intelligence work, highlighting its importance in federal law enforcement.
• 🛡️ Law enforcement must balance the use of OSINT with privacy laws and civil liberties, ensuring compliance with the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
• 🏢 Differences in privacy laws and regulations across jurisdictions can impact how state and local law enforcement agencies collect and use OSINT.
• 💼 Resource constraints can limit the tools and technologies available to state and local law enforcement for effective OSINT collection.
• 🌍 The current geopolitical situation, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, influences OSINT practices, with a need for analysts to discern disinformation.
• 🏢 The private sector also benefits from OSINT for business intelligence, such as assessing geopolitical environments for expansion or investment.
• 📈 Companies must consider privacy laws and regulations in their jurisdiction when collecting and using OSINT for business purposes.

Q & A

What is the role of open source intelligence (OSINT) in law enforcement?

OSINT plays a critical role in law enforcement by providing information from publicly available sources to aid investigations, enhance situational awareness, and support decision-making processes.

How does Richard Denholm's background with the FBI inform his current role at A1C Partners?

Richard Denholm's extensive experience as a special agent with the FBI, particularly in high-level public corruption investigations and as deputy director of the OCDAF fusion center, provides him with a deep understanding of law enforcement intelligence needs and the legal frameworks governing their activities, which he now applies in his role as a director at A1C Partners.

What is the title of the textbook Richard Denholm recently published?

Richard Denholm recently published a textbook titled 'Intelligence Studies Anthology: Foundational Concepts and Case Studies for the 21st Century'.

How does the fourth amendment of the U.S. Constitution apply to open source intelligence collection?

The fourth amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures, and this applies equally to federal, state, and local governments. Law enforcement must ensure that their collection and use of open source intelligence does not violate individuals' rights under this amendment.

What are some of the challenges faced by state and local law enforcement agencies in conducting open source intelligence collection?

State and local law enforcement agencies face challenges such as resource constraints, varying laws and regulations in different jurisdictions, and the need to understand and comply with privacy laws and civil liberties.

How does the cost of technical tools impact open source intelligence collection at the state and local level?

The cost of technical tools can be a significant factor for state and local law enforcement agencies, as they must weigh the benefits of these tools against their budget constraints. This can affect the extent and quality of open source intelligence collection.

What is the impact of disinformation on open source intelligence analysis?

Disinformation can significantly impact open source intelligence analysis by introducing false or misleading information into the public domain. Analysts must be discerning and verify the authenticity of information, especially in situations like the Russia-Ukraine conflict where disinformation is prevalent.

How does the concept of 'finding a needle in a stack of needles' relate to open source intelligence?

The phrase 'finding a needle in a stack of needles' refers to the challenge of identifying relevant and accurate information within the vast amount of data available in the open source environment. It emphasizes the need for skilled analysts to sift through and verify the authenticity of information.

How can businesses benefit from open source intelligence?

Businesses can benefit from open source intelligence by gaining insights into geopolitical environments, understanding labor issues, and making informed decisions about investments and operations based on publicly available information.

What advice does Richard Denholm have for those working with open source intelligence?

Richard Denholm advises understanding the vast amount of open source intelligence available, finding the right analysts, and being aware of the laws in one's jurisdiction. He also encourages not to be too constrained and to navigate the environment with the help of experts if needed.