The Silent Witness—Exploring the Use of Data in Criminal Investigations

This session explores how digital data—often the “silent witness”—can be leveraged to solve violent crimes. Designed for executives, analysts, and investigators, the presentation highlights the Denver Police Department’s creation of a Digital Data Team within the Homicide Unit and its impact on investigations. Presenters will walk through a real-world homicide case, demonstrating how cell phone data, social media activity, vehicle telematics, and other digital sources were used to identify suspects and support prosecution. Attendees will gain practical insights into data collection, analysis tools, and best practices for preserving and presenting digital evidence effectively.