Volunteer Voices: Why I Use My OSINT Skills to Fight Trafficking
When most people think of fighting trafficking, they imagine police officers breaking down doors or sketchy hotels being busted. What often goes unseen is the critical work happening quietly behind a screen before recovery can occur, work that can make the difference between a child being found or remaining hidden.
At Guardian Group, we are privileged to work with an extraordinary group of volunteers who bring unique skills, passion, and determination to this mission. The Project 1591 volunteers come from all walks of life, some are parents, students, veterans, and professionals who are dedicating their time to analyzing online information and identifying potential victims of trafficking.
“I Wanted to Do Something That Mattered.”
One of our volunteers put it this way:
“I realized I had skills that could help… research, online analysis, connecting dots. Instead of just scrolling, I could use those same tools to help identify victims and provide law enforcement with leads. Volunteering with Project 1591 through Guardian Group gave me a way to take action against trafficking without leaving my home.”
The Power of Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT)
Our volunteers utilize open-source intelligence (OSINT) and publicly available information (PAI) on the internet to help identify potential victims of sex trafficking. By piecing together digital clues, volunteers are able to work to attribute true identities to those being sold online. Their findings are submitted to Guardian Group’s analysts, who then vet the information and pass it to law enforcement – providing law enforcement with a head start in recovery efforts.
This behind-the-scenes work results in faster recoveries of victims and more traffickers behind bars, unable to exploit other children.
Why Volunteers Are Essential
– They multiply the reach of Guardian Group’s full-time analysts.
– They bring fresh eyes and unique perspectives to this crime.
– They prove that anyone can play a role in protecting children from exploitation.
Be Part of the Solution
You don’t need a badge to fight trafficking; you only need the willingness to act.
Become a Project 1591 volunteer today and put your OSINT skills to work protecting children.
Become a VolunteerDon’t have the time to volunteer?
You can still make an impact. A monthly donation fuels the platform and analyst support that make volunteer work possible.