What is a citizen driven investigation?

A citizen-driven investigation refers to an inquiry that is initiated or significantly supported by information provided by members of the community. This approach often relies on tips or reports from citizens who may have observed suspicious activities or have relevant information concerning potential human trafficking cases or other crimes.

By empowering the public to report information, law enforcement agencies can tap into local knowledge and observations that might not be visible from a purely law enforcement perspective. This collaboration can lead to more effective investigations and enhance community trust in law enforcement. Engaging citizens in this way can also raise awareness about human trafficking and encourage community involvement in prevention efforts.

The other options do not align with the core characteristics of a citizen-driven investigation. Surveillance methods, such as using drones, are primarily tools for law enforcement and lack direct citizen engagement. An inquiry exclusively conducted by law enforcement does not involve citizen input, and a case study based on public records does not directly involve community observations or tips. Thus, the definition of a citizen-driven investigation is accurately represented by the first choice.