Investigator Spotlight: An Expert Q&A with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation

KBI intelligence analyst team illuminates how Penlink has played a critical role in improving their efficiency by simplifying the organization and analysis of data from various sources.

“Penlink has been essential in increasing the speed and accuracy of our investigations, helping us close cases faster and more efficiently.”—Verla King, KBI

In this edition of our monthly Expert Q&A series, we are pleased to feature a dynamic trio;  Verla King, criminal intelligence analyst supervisor, Abigail Hammeke, Criminal Intelligence Analyst, and Audrey Shepherd, Intelligence Analyst. They all work for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and they shared their perspectives on the changing world of investigations. Read on as this trio highlights the critical impact of digital evidence in modern crime-solving and reflects on the significant shifts in investigative methods over recent years. Through tools like Penlink, they discuss how it has enhanced their team’s ability to handle increasing demands and complexity. Their insights into current investigative techniques offer a valuable glimpse into how technology is reshaping the future of crime analysis.

Q: How has the investigative process changed over the last three to five years?

A: In recent years, the investigative process has undergone significant changes, particularly in response to the rise of digital platforms and shifting legal landscapes. Social media has become a key tool for investigators, allowing them to gather critical evidence that was once unavailable through traditional methods. However, many social media providers have restricted access to certain types of data. For instance, some platforms now use end-to-end encryption, making it impossible to retrieve messages sent between individuals, even with a search warrant.

Additionally, the Google Geofence tool, once heavily relied upon in cases where no suspects were initially identified, has faced legal challenges. A ruling in Virginia concerning the Fourth Amendment has limited its use, reshaping how investigators handle cases involving digital location data. This decision underscores the increasing tension between privacy rights and the needs of law enforcement.

Despite these obstacles, investigative teams have become more adaptable, customizing their approaches based on the needs of each case. By incorporating new strategies and adjusting to changes in technology and law, they continue to find effective ways to gather evidence while ensuring they remain compliant with evolving regulations.

Q: What impact does digital evidence have on clearing cases?

A: Digital evidence has become a vital element in solving cases, offering investigators a rich source of information that can lead to key developments. Modern cell phones hold significant data, including location tracking, photos, videos, social media interactions, and messaging history. These pieces of information, either individually or in combination, can provide valuable insights during investigations.

For instance, location data from a phone can be used to place a suspect at the scene of a crime or help track a missing person’s movements. Photos and videos on a device might capture crucial evidence, while conversations on messaging apps often reveal relationships and activities relevant to the case. Social media interactions can also uncover connections and potential leads.

In missing-person cases, digital evidence can assist in determining last-known locations or finding individuals who may have interacted with the person of interest. In criminal investigations, data from a phone can establish a clear timeline, support witness statements, or highlight suspicious behavior. Even demographic information stored on a device can help law enforcement narrow down their search. As phones continue to store diverse types of information, they are increasingly indispensable to the investigative process, often serving as the key to solving cases efficiently.

Q: Research shows that investigators believe digital evidence is more important than DNA evidence. How would you compare them?

A:  Digital evidence and DNA evidence serve as different but equally critical tools in investigations. Neither is inherently superior to the other; each plays a distinct role depending on the nature of the case. DNA evidence is grounded in scientific rigor, requiring strict protocols in laboratory settings to ensure accuracy and reliability. It is often used to physically connect a suspect to a crime scene or victim through biological material, providing definitive proof in many cases.

On the other hand, digital evidence offers a timeline or footprint of a suspect’s activities, often revealing a series of events leading up to the crime. For example, in child sexual abuse material (CSAM) investigations, digital evidence may include internet searches for illegal content, inappropriate online conversations, and stored or created illegal images or videos. This type of evidence helps establish a pattern of behavior and intent, often providing context that complements physical evidence.

In homicide investigations, digital evidence can be just as crucial. Internet searches for methods of killing or disposing of a body, data retrieved from phones using tools like Cellebrite or Berla, surveillance footage, and license plate recognition (LPR) data can piece together the movements and actions of a suspect. Both DNA and digital evidence are invaluable, offering different insights that together build a comprehensive case.

Q: How has Penlink made your team more efficient?

A: Penlink has greatly improved our team’s efficiency by simplifying the way we organize and analyze data from various sources. One of its major benefits is the use of filters, allowing us to quickly focus on specific dates, times, messages, photos, and locations without having to manually review every detail. This saves significant time and effort, helping us avoid burnout and speeding up our case resolutions. Additionally, Penlink’s mapping tools are particularly helpful for visualizing travel routes, stops, and timing, offering a clear understanding of a subject’s movements in a much shorter timeframe.

Q: What is your favorite Penlink tip or trick?

A: A favorite feature of mine is the ability to group and filter data, along with using keywords to search for specific information. Regular expressions make it easy to find important details within messages, such as addresses, credit card numbers, or phone numbers, which significantly cuts down on the time it takes to gather evidence. The new mapping capabilities introduced over the last couple of years have also proven incredibly useful, making it easier to visualize connections and movements. Overall, Penlink has been essential in increasing the speed and accuracy of our investigations, helping us close cases faster and more efficiently.

Q: How are the expectations for investigations evolving, and how are you preparing for those changes?

A: Expectations for investigations are shifting as technology evolves, bringing new challenges and demands. With constant advancements, investigators are expected to stay ahead of the curve, adapting to the latest tools, devices, and platforms that criminals use. This requires a commitment to continuous learning, ensuring that we’re prepared to address these changes head-on.

One of the key ways we prepare is through regular training on emerging trends, new devices, and the latest apps that could be leveraged in criminal activity. Staying updated on these developments is essential for both analysts and investigators. Additionally, networking plays a critical role in preparation. By attending conferences, workshops, and specialized training sessions, we gain not only new knowledge but also invaluable insights from other professionals in the field. This keeps us agile and ready to face the evolving expectations of modern investigations.

Staying proactive and connected to advancements ensures that we’re able to maintain high standards of efficiency and effectiveness in our work, regardless of how rapidly technology may change. This commitment to learning and collaboration is vital for continuing to meet and exceed investigative expectations.

Thank you to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and especially to Verla King, Abigail Hemmeke and Audrey Shepherd for their willingness to share their experiences and opinions—as well as to their whole agency’s commitment to keeping their community safe.

If you would like to take part in our Q&A series, please reach out to [email protected].