An OSINT research log creates a reproducible record of lawful public-source research: what was searched, which sources were consulted, what was found and what still requires verification.
Useful OSINT log fields
Consider research date, research question, search terms or method, public source, source reference, relevant result, verification status, limitations and next action.
Preserve provenance
Record enough source information to return to the original public material and distinguish the source from your summary of it. For a deeper verification workflow, use the Investigation Source Assessment Template and Source Verification Checklist.
Separate discovery from verification
A public-source result can generate a lead without establishing that the information is accurate. Track corroboration and conflicts separately. Unresolved information needs can be organized with the Investigation Gap Analysis Template.
Worked example: documenting a public-source research result
Fictional training example: Research question: When did the fictional Harbor Center announce its opening date? Search date: October 12, 2026. Search method: public web search followed by review of an organization announcement. Source: public announcement page (record its title, publisher, full URL and publication date in your own log). Finding: the announcement states a proposed opening month. Verification: pending comparison with an independently published source. Next action: check an archived or secondary source and record any discrepancy.
Suggested log columns: research question; search date; search terms or method; source title and publisher; source URL or record reference; publication date; finding; confidence or verification status; conflicting information; next action; reviewer. Keep a research finding distinct from a verified conclusion, and record only information you are authorized to use.
Respect privacy and access boundaries
Use only lawful public information or information you are authorized to access. Do not bypass access controls, impersonate people, harass subjects or publish sensitive personal information.
For public-information missing-person research, see the CaseWorks Missing Persons Research Toolkit. For source organization, see the Source & Evidence Documentation Pack.
General organizational tools for lawful research only; not authorization to access restricted information or conduct intrusive activity.