
Investigator Spotlight: An Expert Q&A Series with Will Daughtry of Henry County Emergency Management
Will Daughtry of Henry County Emergency Management shares how digital evidence is transforming investigations.
“Using Penlink to gather smaller puzzle pieces—like connections between people or patterns in communication—helps build a stronger, more comprehensive case.” —Will Daughtry, Henry County Emergency Management & Homeland Security
IIn this edition of our monthly Expert Q&A series, we are excited to feature Will Daughtry, Deputy Director of Henry County Emergency Management & Homeland Security, who shares his expertise on the rapidly evolving landscape of investigations. Will discusses the transformative role of digital evidence in clearing cases and offers his perspective on how tools like Penlink have revolutionized efficiency in modern investigations. Drawing from his extensive experience, he highlights the balance between digital and physical evidence, as well as the growing importance of cybersecurity skills for investigators. Will’s insights provide a compelling look at how technology and adaptability are shaping the future of law enforcement.
Q: How has the investigative process changed over the last three to five years?
A: In the last three to five years, investigations have evolved light-years compared to previous decades. The sheer pace of technological advancements has drastically shifted how we approach cases. For example, new social media platforms and encrypted-messaging apps pop up almost daily, making it crucial for investigators to stay current. Criminals are constantly adapting, using these platforms to communicate in ways that they believe help them evade detection.
What’s remarkable is how much the integration of technology has amplified our ability to track digital footprints. From social media chatter to location data, these digital breadcrumbs offer insights that were previously unimaginable. However, staying ahead requires not just monitoring trends but also actively engaging with community members, including educators and even young people, to understand what’s being used in real time. This dynamic keeps us on our toes and makes every investigation a learning experience.
Q: What impact does digital evidence have on clearing cases?
A: Digital evidence has transformed the way we clear cases, offering solutions to roadblocks that traditional methods often couldn’t overcome. Historically, investigations have relied heavily on eyewitness accounts or direct testimony, which often hit a dead end. Today, open-source intelligence (OSINT) and other digital tools allow us to gather an abundance of data before even speaking with a suspect.
For instance, social media platforms, web activity, and even seemingly innocuous tools like weather apps collect third-party data that reveals critical location information. This information can be the key to corroborating or disproving alibis, piecing together timelines, or revealing previously hidden connections. While human interviews remain essential, the integration of digital evidence adds a layer of depth and precision that accelerates and strengthens investigative outcomes.
Q: Research shows that investigators believe digital evidence is more important than DNA evidence. How would you compare them?
A: Digital and DNA evidence are like two sides of the same coin. Each plays a vital role, and neither can fully replace the other. Digital evidence provides an intricate map of communication, movement, and interactions, often serving as the first thread to unravel a case. For example, someone’s online activity or geolocation data might place them at the scene of a crime, even when physical evidence is limited.
At the same time, the physical aspects of a crime still require tangible evidence like fingerprints, hair, or DNA to substantiate digital findings. As a former forensic specialist, I’ve seen how physical evidence ties someone definitively to a scene, especially in cases where digital footprints may be altered or erased. Until crimes become entirely virtual or committed by robots, the human element ensures that DNA evidence will remain critical.
Ultimately, the future may lean more heavily on digital evidence as cybercrime grows, but for now, the two forms of evidence complement each other, creating a robust foundation for modern investigations.
Q: How has Penlink made your team more efficient?
A: Penlink has revolutionized how we approach investigations, particularly in terms of efficiency. Before adopting tools like Penlink, my team would spend hours—sometimes days—manually searching through social media platforms and online data. We’d try different search terms, alter spellings, and scroll endlessly to find useful information.
With Penlink we can collect, filter, and analyze data in minutes. Its ability to consolidate vast amounts of information and focus on the most relevant pieces allows us to provide actionable insights almost immediately. This speed has transformed how we respond to investigative requests. Instead of saying, “Give me a few hours or days,” we can often deliver meaningful results in a matter of minutes.
Q: What is your favorite Penlink tip or trick?
A: My favorite tip is to focus on finding the breadcrumbs rather than expecting a single, case-breaking piece of data right away. Many investigators start looking for the “Hail Mary” piece of evidence that will solve the case in one step. While those moments do happen, they’re rare.
Instead, using Penlink to gather smaller puzzle pieces—like connections between people or patterns in communication—helps build a stronger, more comprehensive case. These breadcrumbs often lead to bigger breakthroughs and give you a better understanding of the situation as a whole. It’s all about patience, persistence, and letting the data guide you.
Q: How are the expectations for investigations evolving, and how are you preparing for those changes?
A: Investigations are increasingly shifting toward the digital realm. Crimes today often involve cyber elements, even if they’re physical crimes like burglary or drug trafficking. The expectation now is that investigators not only understand traditional policing methods, but also have a strong grasp of digital tools and cyber-related concepts.
To prepare, my team trains continuously. Even if we’ve attended six or seven OSINT or cybersecurity classes in a year, we’ll take another, because the technology and tactics evolve so quickly. We’re also encouraging investigators to develop IT skills or learn basic coding to bridge the gap between public safety and technical expertise.
The future is headed toward more cyber-centric investigations, where IT professionals with law enforcement backgrounds will become critical players. By staying proactive, adapting to these changes, and combining technical knowledge with investigative instincts, we’re positioning ourselves to meet these new demands head-on.
Thank you to Henry County Emergency Management & Homeland Security, and especially to Will Daughtry for sharing his valuable experiences and perspectives—as well as for his and his team’s dedication to enhancing public safety and supporting their community.
If you would like to participate in our Q&A series, please reach out to [email protected]. To learn more about Penlink, please visit www.penlink.com.