NCTC Social Networking

This course covers the essentials patrol officers, investigators, probation officers, School Resource Officers and anyone in the criminal justice system needs to know about social networking. Various types of crime are rooted in social networking activity. Drugs, scams, identity theft, flash mobs, sexting, sextortion, cyber bullying, even school shootings can be attributed to social media. This course will break down the elements of social networking, examine what information is collected and demonstrate what a great investigative/intelligence tool it can be. Information regarding investigative leads, relationships, communications, photographs, location, etc. is all-available and many times an open source. In addition, students will learn the proper methods of authenticating the information they collect.

Social networking has created a number of problems for law enforcement especially in matters of safety for both officers and their families. Social media sites exist where officer and informant information is posted. Criminal organizations are collecting photos and biomaterial of officers and sharing that information via social media. This class will delineate steps officers must take to safeguard their information while utilizing social media for investigative work as well as in their personal lives.