2024 Penlink Training Summit: Executive Brief

The 2024 Penlink Training Summit took place September 24–26, welcoming hundreds of attendees to the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Penlink’s CEO, Peter Weber, opened the conference with a warm welcome, setting the stage for a conference full of innovation, collaboration, and insights looking into the future of digital investigations. On the first day, attendees gathered for a pre-conference hands-on training experience led by our expert training team. For the rest of the conference experience, attendees engaged in meaningful discussions, shared success stories, and explored the advanced tools that are shaping the field of investigative work.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Omaha and contributed to this inspiring event. For those who couldn’t make it, here’s a snapshot of the highlights.

OPENING KEYNOTE 

Innovation Showcase: The Future of Digital Intelligence

Presenters:

• Udi Levy, Chief Product and Strategy Officer 

• Terry Pell, Chief Customer Officer 

In an inspiring keynote, Udi Levy and Terry Pell took attendees through Penlink’s journey over the past year—a journey marked by innovation, expansion, and a strengthened commitment to supporting the needs of law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and corporate security. Udi shared Penlink’s latest advancements, including the expanded PLX Suite and Tangles platform, which have redefined how agencies gather and analyze digital evidence from sources like social media, the open web, and blockchain.

A highlight of the session was the introduction of CoAnalyst, a revolutionary tool that empowers users to conduct investigations with natural language queries and automated reporting. The session emphasized PenLink’s dedication to data security, compliance, and customer success, illustrating how these tools are already making an impact in combating human trafficking, cyber threats, and financial crimes.

KEYNOTE

Treasure in the Trauma

Presenter:

• Matthew Griffin, Author, Former Military/Police, and Mental Health Advocate 

You could have heard a pin drop as Matthew took his audience through his deeply personal account of the day in March 2017 when he wrote his suicide note. A timely call from a friend sparked a transformation that not only saved his life but redefined how he views trauma and mental health. With powerful insights from his number-one bestselling book, The Journey to Midnight, Matthew shared years of research, offering the audience a new perspective on how to address trauma in high-stress professions like those of first responders, investigators, detectives, and veterans. This session left attendees with a renewed sense of empathy, resilience, and purpose in helping others.

GENERAL SESSION

The Future, Here and Now: PMFs, Cryptocurrency, and Online Anonymity 

Presenter: 

• Selwyn DeLoach, Special Agent, US Department of Justice 

Selwyn DeLoach led an engaging session on three critical areas impacting law enforcement: privately made firearms (PMFs), cryptocurrency, and online anonymity. He highlighted the challenges posed by untraceable PMFs and shared strategies for navigating these obstacles. Attendees gained insights into cryptocurrency investigations, including techniques for tracing payments for firearms and integrating that financial data into PLX. The session concluded with a focus on officer safety in the digital realm, discussing proactive measures against threats like doxxing and scams. Participants left equipped with essential knowledge and tools for keeping themselves safe in the online community.

KEYNOTE

Adapting to a Digital World: The Evolving Challenges of Law Enforcement in the Age of Technology

Presenters: 

• Jim Dinkins, President, Thomson Reuters Special Services 

• Derek Maltz, Executive Director, Governmental Relations, PenLink 

Jim Dinkins and Derek Maltz took the stage to address the increasingly complex challenges that law enforcement faces in today’s rapidly evolving digital world. They shared how the overwhelming influx of case data is pushing traditional investigative methods to their limits. Through real-world case examples and Jim’s extensive experience at HSI, they highlighted how trusted partnerships—whether with agencies or technology providers—are crucial for cutting through the noise. By leveraging expertise and advanced tools, they demonstrated how law enforcement can transform chaos into clarity and continue to protect and serve effectively in the digital age.

CLOSING KEYNOTE

Under Fire: Building Resilience Through Adversity 

Presenter: 

• Nate Hutchinson, Lieutenant, Weber County Sheriff’s Office, Utah 

Lieutenant Nate Hutchinson delivered an adrenaline-fueled keynote session recounting a routine search-warrant call that escalated into a thirteen-minute gun battle. Shot five times while rescuing injured officers, Hutchinson’s story highlighted resilience and mindset. He provided invaluable insights on mental and physical preparedness for life’s challenges, encouraging attendees to thrive, not just survive, in the face of adversity. Participants left inspired with essential strategies for facing both immediate and long-term challenges.

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

We were honored to have so many fantastic breakout sessions at this year’s event. The following agencies shared their insights:

  • University of Alabama Police Department
  • Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) McAllen
  • North Central HIDTA
  • Galesburg Police Department
  • Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office
  • Vetted Security
  • DEA Kentucky
  • United States Secret Service
  • Florida Fish & Wildlife
  • Arizona HIDTA (High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area)
  • Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office
  • Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center
  • Scottsdale Police Department
  • Indian River County Sheriff’s Office
  • Henry County Emergency Management

Related Articles