Research & OSINT Overview
Research & OSINT for Community Defense
Section titled “Research & OSINT for Community Defense”Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) refers to gathering and analyzing publicly available information. For rapid response networks, research skills help verify sightings, identify patterns, and protect communities.
Why Research Matters
Section titled “Why Research Matters”Effective research helps:
- Verify sightings - Distinguish real ICE activity from false alarms
- Identify patterns - Track operational behaviors, times, and locations
- Document activity - Create verifiable records for legal defense
- Protect communities - Provide early warning and accurate information
The Intelligence Cycle
Section titled “The Intelligence Cycle”Research follows a systematic process:
1. Planning & Direction
Section titled “1. Planning & Direction”- What information do you need?
- What questions are you trying to answer?
- What resources are available?
2. Collection
Section titled “2. Collection”- Gather raw information from various sources
- Document everything with timestamps and sources
- Maintain organized records
3. Processing
Section titled “3. Processing”- Organize collected information
- Convert data into usable formats
- Remove duplicates and irrelevant data
4. Analysis
Section titled “4. Analysis”- Look for patterns and connections
- Verify information from multiple sources
- Draw conclusions based on evidence
5. Dissemination
Section titled “5. Dissemination”- Share findings with appropriate parties
- Present information clearly
- Protect sensitive sources and methods
Types of Research for Rapid Response
Section titled “Types of Research for Rapid Response”Verification Research
Section titled “Verification Research”Confirming whether a sighting is legitimate:
- Vehicle identification
- Agent appearance verification
- Location cross-referencing
Pattern Analysis
Section titled “Pattern Analysis”Understanding operational behaviors:
- Common times of activity
- Frequently targeted areas
- Typical tactics and approaches
Documentation Research
Section titled “Documentation Research”Building records for legal purposes:
- Photo/video verification
- Timeline construction
- Evidence preservation
Protective Research
Section titled “Protective Research”Identifying risks to community members:
- Data broker removal
- Social media exposure
- Public records review
Research Ethics
Section titled “Research Ethics”- ✅ Use only publicly available information
- ✅ Verify information from multiple sources
- ✅ Document your sources
- ✅ Respect privacy of community members
- ✅ Share information responsibly
Don’ts
Section titled “Don’ts”- ❌ Access private systems or accounts
- ❌ Impersonate others to gain information
- ❌ Share unverified information as fact
- ❌ Expose community members’ personal data
- ❌ Engage in harassment or stalking
Operational Security
Section titled “Operational Security”When conducting research:
-
Protect your identity
- Use VPN services
- Consider separate research accounts
- Don’t link personal accounts to research
-
Secure your data
- Encrypt sensitive findings
- Use secure communication channels
- Limit who has access to raw data
-
Document carefully
- Keep records of your research process
- Note timestamps and sources
- Maintain chain of custody for evidence
Getting Started
Section titled “Getting Started”- Research Tools - Essential tools for OSINT
- Vehicle Research - Identifying and tracking vehicles
- Photo & Video Verification - Analyzing visual evidence
- Research Security - Protecting yourself while researching