Beyond Google - Discovering Online Resources in Investigations
Dates: November 16-17, 2026
Location: Hoover Police Department Training Center, 850 Municipal Dr, Hoover, AL 35216
Cost: $450.00
Registration Deadline: October 12, 2026
Course Overview
In today's digital landscape, virtually every criminal investigation involves an online component that can be leveraged to advance investigations and accelerate case resolution. This training focuses on open source online intelligence and teaches participants how to harness free platforms, databases, and web applications to build stronger criminal cases. Participants will discover advanced techniques and lesser-known methods to maximize results using online search engines and internet resources that support both investigations and prosecutions. The course covers how to properly draft and execute search warrants for various forms of electronic information and databases applicable to multiple investigation types. Attendees will also develop competencies in establishing contacts and cultivating open-source intelligence networks capable of delivering ongoing criminal and threat intelligence within their jurisdictions.
Training Schedule
Day 1 - November 16, 2026: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Day 2 - November 17, 2026: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Total Hours: 16 hours
Who Should Attend
This training is restricted to law enforcement professionals, prosecution officials, and related court personnel only.
What You Will Learn
- Apply online open source resources across all categories of criminal investigations
- Identify and utilize online open source information sources to support criminal investigation efforts
- Execute effective internet searches employing multiple tools and methodologies
- Evaluate and integrate online data to develop investigative leads and case theories
- Leverage social media platforms to enhance investigative outcomes
- Recognize how criminal actors exploit social media
- Locate and identify social media accounts relevant to investigations
- Extract and examine social media information to develop evidence and locate suspects
- Navigate online investigations with appropriate security measures
- Recognize potential risks and challenges associated with online investigations
- Maintain personal identity and family privacy during online investigative work
- Develop and sustain operational online personas for investigative purposes
- Create authentic and believable online identities for information gathering and surveillance
- Access real-world search warrant templates and exemplars adaptable to your investigations
- Review and assess authentic search warrant examples specific to online investigations
- Master the drafting and acquisition of search warrants for digital evidence
Course Requirements
Participants are strongly encouraged to bring laptops and mobile devices (including hotspot capability when feasible) to actively participate in investigative workflow exercises based on actual cases solved using the methods taught. The course incorporates hands-on learning activities where participants will examine real-time open source information and apply these techniques to authentic criminal case scenarios.
Instructor
Scott Kilpatrick - NCJTC Associate and Detective, Baltimore County Police Department. A veteran investigator with extensive experience in the Crimes Against Children Unit, Kilpatrick is a nationally certified instructor with proven expertise in investigative methodologies and online intelligence gathering.
What's Included
The registration fee covers 16 hours of instruction, course materials, and instructional expenses. Attendees are responsible for arranging and paying for their own meals, transportation, and accommodations.
Lodging Options
- Courtyard Birmingham Hoover, 1824 Montgomery Hwy, Hoover, AL 35244
- Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham-Hoover, 4520 Galleria Blvd, Hoover, AL 35244
- Holiday Inn Birmingham-Hoover, 2901 John Hawkins Pkwy, Hoover, AL 35244
- Hyatt Place Birmingham-Hoover, 2980 John Hawkins Pkwy, Hoover, AL 35244
Course Contact
Jessica Heimann
(855) 866-2582
jessica.heimann2274@fvtc.edu