Integration of Actionable Human Trafficking Intelligence Platform Extends IST Research's Proven Ability to Address Global Human Security Issues
FREDERICKSBURG, VA / ACCESSWIRE / December 1, 2016 / IST Research, which creates and offers proven technology to address human security challenges, today announced its acquisition of Rescue Forensics, a Y Combinator-funded analytical platform and a leading intelligence solution for law enforcement, prosecutors and intelligence analysts. The announcement was made by Ryan Paterson, founder and CEO, IST Research.
Much of IST Research's success to date has been based on its ability to enable the integration of novel data streams from the company's proprietary Pulse Platform into a proven, actionable decision support system. Now, this acquisition of Rescue Forensics provides IST Research with specific technology that will allow the company to broaden and deepen its capability to help mitigate human trafficking and support clients in addressing other human safety and security issues around the world.
"IST Research and Rescue Forensics have worked collaboratively for a number of years," said Paterson. "This acquisition not only provides additional technology to extend the capabilities of our Pulse Platform, but will also leverage the accumulated knowledge of Rescue Forensics' field work and market acumen from its experience as a Y Combinator-mentored company."
IST Research built the Pulse Platform in 2008 to address some of the most urgent human security issues faced by the world's vulnerable populations - specifically transnational crime and global extremist terrorism. Rescue Forensics launched in 2010 and was selected for the 2015 Winter Y Combinator program to build search software that helps law enforcement officials collect and document online evidence that could be used to prosecute traffickers in court. By integrating the two companies' specific technology assets, IST Research is equipped to comprehensively pursue myriad human security problems.
"Through our work on the DARPA Memex program we developed an ability to capture data that support law enforcement and legal communities' investigations, and now we will deepen this capability by integrating Rescue Forensics' technology to better deliver actionable intelligence," explained Paterson "For instance, human trafficking is very much an internet enterprise and tools that can filter, track and record escort listings for potentially suspicious behavior are critical to policing these activities."
By collecting, analyzing, and visualizing both online data and data collected directly from affected populations, IST Research gains insights to help identify people and methods involved in human trafficking as well as other complex real-world issues, such as understanding the online tactics of extremist terrorists, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of international aid programs, and corroborating the effectiveness of cease-fire agreements. The acquisition of Rescue Forensics is intended to strengthen the ability of the Pulse Platform to support these diverse applications.
"Rescue Forensics most recently played a key role in the sex trafficking conviction of two men in Baltimore, and it's clear what we've built makes a difference," said Ryan Dalton, founder, Rescue Forensics. "We've spent a lot of time determining the best way to get this data in the hands of law enforcement so they can control access to information. I believe IST Research's vision for Pulse is the best path for transitioning our technology and extending our solutions to the wider law enforcement community."
The two privately held companies did not disclose terms of the acquisition.
About IST Research
Founded in 2008, IST Research was created to explore the possibilities created by the development of technology within new and challenging operational environments. The company's Pulse Platform allows organizations to connect to people in high-risk and low-stability environments and gain a comprehensive understanding of complex human security challenges. Pulse is a proven technology that addresses today's complex, global problems. Headquartered in Fredericksburg, VA, IST Research is privately funded. For more information, please visit www.istresearch.com.
Press Contacts:
Boyle Public Affairs
James A. Boyle
[email protected]
571.213.3979
Krista Van Lewen
[email protected]
415.608.0263
SOURCE: IST Research