Investigative Mindset and The Art of Digging, Session 1
- Elizabeth Clemons
- Mar 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 10
Tip Sheet
with Tony Plohetski (Austin-American Statesman) and Daphne Duret (The Marshall Project)
The investigative mindset for journalists isn’t just about asking the right questions—it’s about knowing where to look and how to dig deeper.
This tip sheet compiles key investigative strategies, expert-recommended articles, and must-have research tools to help journalists navigate their investigations more effectively.
Watch the recording of this session here. For more investigative insights, check out the recordings of the other two panel sessions, with Andrea Ball and Walter Smith Randolph and David McSwane and Neena Satija.
Expert Insights and Investigative Case Studies
Some of the most compelling investigative stories have come from relentless digging and the strategic use of public records.
Here are a few case studies from leading journalists that exemplify how research can lead to groundbreaking stories:
Tony Plohetski’s Investigations
Officers rewarded for use of force with steakhouse gift cards – How police incentives can lead to unethical behavior.
Austin area police chase ends in death as 'Live PD' cameras roll – Investigating the real-world consequences of reality TV in law enforcement.
Use of force nearly doubled amid TV fame – The impact of media exposure on policing tactics.
Surveillance video of Uvalde school shooting shows police response – Leveraging video evidence to expose failures in crisis response.
Daphne Duret’s Investigations
Exclusive: Corey Jones phone records show last call – Using phone records to uncover crucial details in high-profile cases.
SpineWand: Plaintiffs, federal investigators line up in spinal surgery fight and Insurer settles lawsuit against West Palm Beach surgery center, maker over spinal device for ‘as much as $20 million’
Spit Hoods Can Be Deadly. Police Keep Using Them Anyway – Exposing the risks of a controversial policing tool.
Whistleblower cops face a system built to beat them down – Investigating systemic issues within police accountability.
Investigative Mindset Research Tools for Journalists
To take your investigative research to the next level, these tools and databases can help you access public records, verify sources, and uncover hidden connections:
Backgrounding & Investigative Research Resources
IRE Resources – Training materials from Investigative Reporters & Editors, Inc.
Public Records & FOIA Tools
National Freedom of Information Coalition – Ensuring journalists can access critical public data.
Sample FOIA Request – Template for filing public records requests efficiently.
State Freedom of Information Laws – Understanding open records laws by jurisdiction.
Texas Public Information Act / FOI Foundation Texas – Specialized resources for Texas-based investigations.
The Sunshine Law, Florida – A go-to reference for transparency laws in Florida.
Texas Health and Human Services Death Records – Access to state records on deaths for investigative reporting.
Backgrounding Basics Tip Sheet (MuckRock) – Best practices for verifying identities and FOIA tips and tricks.
Whistleblower Laws By State – Protections for confidential sources and whistleblowers.
Investigating Nonprofits & Corporate Records
SEC Filings – Reviewing corporate financial disclosures and insider activity.
US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) – Investigating workplace discrimination cases.
Court Records Basics
Court Basics
Structure of State and Federal Courts – A breakdown of how different courts operate and where to find case records.
Legal Information Institute Dictionary – A comprehensive glossary of legal terms relevant to reporters.
Court Express – A service for obtaining court records on demand.
State Court Resources
BRB's Free Public Record Search Directory – A comprehensive list of public records available online.
BlackBookOnline – A tool for searching state and local public records.
National Center for State Courts (NCSC) – Links to state court websites for case research.
Court Reference – A database of online court records organized by state.
Federal Court Resources
PACER – The primary database for accessing U.S. federal court records.
Use the RECAP Chrome Extension to contribute to the RECAP archive and access PACER documents for free when available.
CourtListener Database – A searchable repository of court opinions and filings.
US Tax Court Case Search – Researching financial disputes and tax-related legal cases.
United States Merit Systems Protection Board – A quasi-judicial agency ensuring protections for federal employees against workplace abuses.
Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator – Tracking individuals in federal custody.
Nevada Department of Corrections Inmate Locator – State-level inmate search tool.
Prisoner Locator Tools from State Agency Databases – Aggregated search tools for locating incarcerated individuals.
Vine – A service for tracking people in police custody.
National Sex Offender Registry – A national database for backgrounding individuals with past criminal offenses.
Social Media
Social media platforms and digital footprints are becoming increasingly critical in investigations. Check out our tip sheet with social media resources for advanced techniques for tracking sources online and our research guide.
Key Takeaways for Investigative Journalists
Start with public records – Many investigations begin with a FOIA request or an overlooked document in a public database.
Connect the dots – Timeline building and data analysis are essential for revealing patterns and misconduct.
Verify and cross-check – Never rely on a single source. Use multiple databases to confirm identities and details.
🚨 These Tip Sheets are incredible resources, best used in conjunction with their live, hands-on workshop session component. Watch the recording of the panel session here.
Interested in gaining access to our full database of workshop recordings?
Questions or comments about Sunlight's workshops and resources? Contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@sunlightsearch.net
