Every report that comes into Crowd Threat is checked by a person before it becomes data. As our reporter network grows, so does the job of making sure what we deliver is accurate, timely and traceable to its source. That's why we've hired Sophia Birks as our first Crowd Intelligence Analyst. We sat down with her to talk about how she got here, what verification involves, and what she's learned from the crowd so far.

What were you doing before Crowd Threat?

I'm originally from the United States and moved abroad to study for my bachelor's in psychology, then went on to complete a master's in criminology and criminal justice. During my master's I specialised in open-source research (OSINT) into extremism. I've always been driven by research and by wanting to make sense of complex information.

What drew you to crowdsourced collection rather than a traditional analyst role?

Crowdsourced reporting fills the gap that traditional sources leave behind. It pairs real-time collection with true cultural and geographical awareness. Working with reporters on the ground gives us a speed and reliability you just don't get in a traditional analyst role.

In plain terms, what does a Crowd Intelligence Analyst do?

My job is to take raw, on-the-ground reports from our network and turn them into verified, usable data. I filter the live signals coming in, cross-check the facts, and connect the dots to build a clear picture of conflict and emerging threats around the world.

What does verification look like on a typical day?

Most of my day is spent validating live submissions as they arrive. The first priority is the source and the context: does the report hold up logically for that time and place? I then cross-reference the claim against satellite imagery, mapping data and secondary local feeds to confirm the details. If something looks off or a piece is missing, I go back to the reporter directly for clearer evidence before we sign off on the report.

Is there an incident that has stuck with you so far?

The reports around the olive harvest, specifically the violence and harassment local farmers are facing, have really stayed with me. Mainstream coverage rarely captures how often these incidents happen, but our ground reports have allowed us to verify them and build an accurate picture as events unfold.

What would you say to someone thinking about joining the reporter network?

Know that you'd be filling a vital blind spot in global awareness. News outlets often miss the immediate reality on the ground. Getting those reports to us quickly and reliably lets us build a true picture of what's happening, and that has real-world impact where it matters most.

What are you most looking forward to?

Part of my role will be helping to grow the crowd network itself, and I'm really excited about that. In the end, it's understanding the human and behavioural side of the data that makes open-source work so powerful.

Sophia works alongside our verified reporters every day. If you'd like to be one of them, join the network here. You can also meet the rest of the team on our About page.