- In the seat this week: Jonathan McDonald, executive vice president, red violet
- About red violet: red violet and its subsidiary IDI provide identity intelligence tools to help law enforcement identify and locate people, businesses, assets and the connections between them.
- About McDonald: McDonald has over two decades of experience leading public sector divisions of global information solutions providers, for whom he has been responsible for product development, go-to-market strategy, sales and contract procurement. He was a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps and holds a bachelor’s in management science and statistics and an MBA from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business.
- Learn more: Advancing investigations with accelerated data analysis
How are law enforcement and government users adapting to the advanced investigative tools available to them today? What helps agencies bridge the gap between access and effective use?
Law enforcement and government agencies are increasingly leveraging advanced investigative tools that integrate vast and disparate datasets – ranging from consumer and business information to social media, digital intelligence and device signals. A key enabler is identity resolution, which connects data points with high confidence, removes noise and provides contextual and relationship-based insights.
Platforms like idiCORE, supported by IDI’s experienced professional staff, can help agencies bridge the gap between technology and effective use by combining data expertise with investigative tradecraft. Integration platforms also enhance usability by bringing data from multiple systems into one view, offering a more complete picture of individuals or entities.
What are some of the most common misconceptions public safety leaders have about data analytics or investigative intelligence platforms?
Common misconceptions include:
- Assuming all data is current and accurate.
- Believing only U.S. citizens appear in databases.
- Thinking all data can be found via free online searches.
- Assuming a person must have a credit profile to be found.
- Overestimating the value of technology alone without skilled analysis.
Many leaders overlook the importance of investigative tradecraft – the human expertise needed to interpret and apply data signals effectively. IDI works closely with government users to help them understand and apply data in meaningful ways.
What new threats or investigative challenges are on your radar — whether from cybercrime, synthetic identities or other emerging risks?
Emerging threats include:
- Synthetic identities and cybercrime tactics designed to obscure organizational affiliations.
- Foreign ownership, control or influence (FOCI) threats.
These evolving challenges demand both robust data tools and expert interpretation to stay ahead.
What makes an agency truly “data ready”? Is it a matter of leadership, culture, infrastructure?
True data readiness is a combination of leadership, culture and infrastructure, plus:
- A willingness to challenge the status quo and embrace change.
- Skilled data engineers who can translate data into mission impact.
- A strong data governance framework that ensures legal and ethical use.
Organizations that resist change (“That’s not how we do things”) often fail to fully leverage data’s value. IDI supports agencies across threat domains – from cybercrime to FOCI – aligning data capabilities with mission requirements.
For public safety vendors and tech providers, what advice would you give about building trust and delivering real value to government clients?
Trust is built through honest, open and transparent communication – on both sides. Vendors must:
- Clearly explain data strengths and limitations.
- Encourage feedback to improve services.
- Foster collaboration to align solutions with mission needs.
Government clients should engage vendors in ongoing dialogue, ask questions and treat the relationship as a partnership, not a transaction. Understanding and navigating data complexity together is key to delivering real value.