Listen to this articleBelow is our recent interview with Alex Finley, Chief Executive Officer at LeadsOnline:
Q: Could you provide our readers with a brief introduction to your company?
A: Founded in 2000, LeadsOnline is a trusted provider of data intelligence and ballistic analysis tools for law enforcement agencies across the United States and worldwide. Privately held and backed by private equity, our mission is to give law enforcement the data and tools they need to advance more cases faster.
When we first started the company more than two decades ago, our primary solution was software to digitize and report tickets from pawn shops to help those businesses comply with local ordinances. We grew by offering access to that and other data to streamline criminal investigations, particularly for property crimes. In 2023, we acquired Forensic Technology, a global leader in advanced ballistic identification solutions including IBIS (Integrated Ballistic Identification System) that powers ballistic identification networks across the globe so agencies can work across jurisdictions to solve gun crimes.
Earlier this year, we acquired NightHawk, a leader in investigative data visualization and analysis. This strategic combination brings Nighthawk’s analysis capabilities into the LeadsOnline suite of investigative solutions to enhance law enforcement’s ability to expedite criminal investigations. Now, we serve approximately 5,500 U.S. law enforcement agencies and global public safety organizations in nearly 80 countries. Our powerful investigative solutions make it possible to locate people, recover stolen property, and uncover patterns critical to solving various types of crime.
Q: What makes your company the best choice? How are you unique?
A: LeadsOnline stands out because of our commitment to supporting law enforcement with technology that helps them solve crimes and deliver justice to victims. Since the beginning, we have dedicated our company to innovating in ways that democratize technology and empower law enforcement to be more effective in their investigations.
Our solutions provide unique, data-driven techniques and workflows to help investigators find the people, property and patterns needed to advance their cases. There are many providers of data and point solutions to law enforcement, but what we’ve assembled at LeadsOnline is a suite of integrated solutions that are easy to use and help investigators throughout the stages of their cases. From the crime scene to the courtroom, we equip law enforcement agencies with a versatile platform that supports a broad spectrum of investigative needs—from property crimes to violent offenses.
Q: Who is your ideal client and why?
A: LeadsOnline’s primary customers are law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal levels within the United States, as well as police, crime labs and other public safety organizations throughout the rest of the world. They all rely on our data intelligence, investigative tools, and ballistic analysis solutions to accelerate their criminal investigations and successfully prosecute offenders.
Q: What can we expect from you in the next 6 months? What are your plans?
A: We’re introducing new intelligence and ballistic analysis solutions, as well as newer versions of existing ballistic technologies. For example, we just announced IBIS ClearCase, a fully automated cartridge case triage solution built on the same proven algorithms used by IBIS, the world’s leading ballistic identification technology.
Within minutes, ClearCase determines the number and caliber of firearms used in a shooting incident so investigators can establish and pursue leads more quickly to get crime guns and their users off the street. It complements the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) managed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives by reducing ballistic analysis backlogs while enabling law enforcement to get fast, unbiased and reliable answers regarding their ballistic evidence.
We’re also releasing the next generations of IBIS BrassTrax for digital imaging of cartridge cases and Quantum that provides 3D visual and quantitative analysis for firearms examination. And finally, we’re excited to celebrate our 25th anniversary and plan to commemorate it throughout 2025 with some fun activities for both our employees and customers.
Q: What is the best thing about your company that people might not know about?
A: We’re proud to share a recent collaboration with Harding University, where we helped sponsor a new state-of-the-art digital forensics lab that opened this fall in the College of Business Administration. Recognizing a gap in hands-on digital forensics opportunities within higher education, Harding University designed this innovative lab to equip students with practical skills that align with the rapidly evolving demands of the cybersecurity field.
The lab features advanced forensic software, high-performance workstations, and specialized equipment for simulating cyberattacks and conducting forensic analysis. Students gain real-world experience in areas such as data recovery, cyber incident investigation, and evidence analysis, preparing them to excel in cybersecurity roles. The lab also serves criminal justice coursework and supports surrounding law enforcement agencies with digital forensic analysis in their live casework, preparing students for careers in law enforcement or at companies like LeadsOnline.
We worked closely with Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity John Stone who was my professor when I attended Harding. His expertise and dedication to cybersecurity education and law enforcement were instrumental in initiating this project. He collaborated with industry professionals to design a curriculum that aligns with industry standards, ensuring that students graduate with the skills and knowledge that employers are seeking. Through this new lab, Harding University is enhancing student learning and boosting career readiness in fields where practical experience is essential.
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