Investigative Journalist Verification

For a journalist seeking access to connect with victims for potential stories, our process includes:

1. Verification of identity through government-issued ID and employment records
2. Confirmation of position with recognized news organization or established independent journalism credentials
3. Review of published work history to confirm relevant experience
4. Verification of editorial oversight and journalistic standards adherence
5. Reference checks with editors or colleagues
6. Specialized training requirement for trauma-informed reporting approaches

Academic Researcher Verification

For researchers studying patterns of victimization or system responses, verification includes:

1. Confirmation of academic position or research institution affiliation
2. Verification of appropriate research ethics board approvals
3. Review of research focus and relevance to platform purpose
4. Validation of publication history in relevant fields
5. Confirmation of data handling protocols and privacy safeguards
6. Verification of funding sources and research integrity

Law Enforcement Verification

For law enforcement professionals working on cold cases or pattern investigations:

1. Verification of current law enforcement credentials and jurisdiction
2. Confirmation of departmental authorization for platform use
3. Case relevance assessment to confirm legitimate investigative purpose
4. Verification of appropriate case handling protocols
5. Supervisory confirmation and oversight verification
6. Specialized training confirmation for victim-centered approaches

The Verification Timeline

We understand that professionals need timely access to the platform while also recognizing that thorough verification takes time. Our typical verification timeline includes:

1. Initial application review: 1-2 business days
2. Identity verification: 2-3 business days
3. Credential verification: 3-5 business days
4. Reference checks: 3-7 business days (depending on response time)
5. Final review and decision: 1-2 business days

For most professional applicants, the entire process takes approximately 3-10 business days. We offer expedited verification in certain circumstances where there’s a time-sensitive need, such as active investigations with imminent safety concerns. During the verification process, professional users are granted limited access to the platform.

Ongoing Verification and Monitoring

Verification isn’t a one-time event—it’s an ongoing process that continues throughout a professional’s time on the platform:

• Regular re-verification – Credentials are reverified periodically
• Activity monitoring – Professional activity is reviewed for appropriate platform use
• Feedback integration – Victim user feedback contributes to professional standing
• Credential updates – Professionals must notify us of relevant changes to their professional status
• Periodic review – Random spot checks ensure continued compliance with standards

This ongoing process ensures that changes in professional status or behavior are identified and addressed promptly.

When Verification Is Denied

Not all professional applications are approved. Common reasons for verification denial include:

• Insufficient or unverifiable professional credentials
• Concerning professional history or ethical violations
• Inability to confirm identity or professional status
• Conflict of interest that cannot be mitigated
• Inappropriate approach to victim engagement

When verification is denied, applicants receive specific feedback about the decision and, when appropriate, guidance on what would be needed for future reconsideration. These users also receive a prorated refund for their subscription.

The Human Element in Verification

While we leverage technology to streamline parts of our verification process, human judgment remains essential. Our team of verification consultants includes:

• Security specialists with background in identity verification
• Subject matter experts in different professional fields
• Ethics advisors focusing on appropriate use cases
• Legal counsel for complex verification decisions
• Platform leadership for policy development and oversight

This team regularly reviews and refines our verification approach, ensuring it remains both rigorous and fair as the platform evolves.

Verification Transparency

We believe in transparency about our verification process while maintaining the security of the system itself. Professional users receive:

• Clear explanation of verification requirements before applying
• Regular updates on their verification status during the process
• Specific feedback if additional information is needed
• Detailed explanation of any verification limitations or conditions
• Clear indication of reverification requirements and timelines

This transparency builds trust with our professional users while maintaining the integrity of the verification system.

Verification as Trust Infrastructure

Our comprehensive verification process is more than just a security measure—it’s the essential infrastructure that enables trust throughout the Not Just One ecosystem. By ensuring that only qualified, legitimate professionals gain access to victim narratives, we create an environment where meaningful connections can occur safely.

For victims, our verification process provides confidence that their experiences are shared only with properly vetted professionals who approach their stories with the appropriate expertise and ethical foundation. For professionals, the process creates a community of verified peers and access to valuable narratives from victims who feel secure sharing with them.

If you’re a professional interested in joining our platform, we invite you to begin the verification process here. Our team is available to guide you through each step and answer any questions about our approach.

Have questions about our verification process? Contact our verification team at verification@notjustone.org.

Note: While this blog provides a comprehensive overview of our verification approach, some specific security details have been omitted to protect the integrity of the verification system.