The Missed Clue: Unlocking the Untapped Potential of IP Addresses in Crime Analysis
Rebecca Florhaug
Crime Analyst
Blaine Police Department, Minnesota
In an increasingly digital world where offenders leave traces both online and offline, this session provides a practical, investigator-focused introduction to using IP address data in modern crime analysis.
Participants will learn what IP addresses are, how they work, and why they matter, along with real-world strategies for identifying suspects, mapping online activity to physical locations, and strengthening cases. The presentation covers key technical and legal foundations—including static versus dynamic IPs, ISP roles, retention challenges, natted IPs, and the use of subpoenas and search warrants—before transitioning into intermediate investigative techniques that show how IP data can be combined with other evidence such as surveillance, phone records, and warrant returns.
The session also briefly introduces advanced concepts like MAC address identification and router interrogation in complex cases. Real-world case examples demonstrate how these methods lead to successful investigative outcomes, and the session is designed for attendees with little to moderate technical experience, leaving them confident in using IP address data more effectively across a wide range of investigations.
Zoom Link - https://iaca-net.zoom.us/j/84712688575?pwd=P0acGP8WYc4B5kG3zZNcuX4QpbRFTS.1
2026 Annual Conference
October 6 - 9, 2026
Hotel 1620
Plymouth, MA
We are excited to announce that our annual conference will be held Tuesday, October 6 through Friday, October 9, 2026, in historic downtown Plymouth, Massachusetts. Monday will be a travel day/registration, and an opportunity to explore Plymouth.
We are thrilled to partner with NESPIN again this year, bringing their top-notch training and technical assistance to all our attendees.
The Massachusetts Association of Crime Analysts has hosted an annual training conference for 20+ years, gathering analysts, officers and command staff from across New England and throughout the country for five days of world class training. We will have subject matter experts teaching breakout sessions and national leaders in policing giving the keynote addresses.
We invite you to join us!
Partnership:
Vendors and Sponsors from the 2025 Conference:
Massachusetts Association of Crime Analysts (MACA)
P.O. Box 6123
Chelsea, MA 02150
macrimeanalysts.org
Download MACA Form W-9
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