# Using External Case Discovery
CaseConnect allows you to discover and import cases from external law enforcement databases directly into your workspace.
## Supported Databases
### FBI ViCAP (Violent Criminal Apprehension Program)
Access to nationwide violent crime cases including:
- Homicides
- Sexual assaults
- Missing persons (suspected foul play)
- Unidentified human remains
### NamUs (National Missing and Unidentified Persons System)
Search and import:
- Missing persons cases
- Unidentified remains
- Unclaimed persons
### GBI (Georgia Bureau of Investigation)
Access to Georgia state cases:
- Cold cases
- Missing persons
- Unidentified remains
- Violent crimes
## How to Discover Cases
### Step 1: Navigate to External Search
1. Click on the navigation menu
2. Select "External Search" (available to all tiers)
3. Choose a source from the list (FBI ViCAP, NamUs, or GBI)
### Step 2: Click Case Selection
1. Find your desired source
2. Click the "Case Selection" button
3. You'll see a list of cases from that source
### Step 3: Discover New Cases
You have two options:
**Discover 50 Cases (Faster)**
- Fetches up to 50 recent cases
- Takes less time to complete
- Good for quick updates
**Discover 200 Cases (Comprehensive)**
- Fetches up to 200 recent cases
- More thorough discovery
- Better for initial setup or catching up
### Step 4: Review Discovered Cases
After discovery completes:
- See the total number of cases found
- Cases are displayed in a table with:
- Title/description
- Status (new, updated, or already imported)
- Last seen date
- Jurisdiction
- Use search and filters to find specific cases
### Step 5: Select Cases to Import
1. Review the discovered cases
2. Check the boxes next to cases you want to import
3. Click "Import Selected Cases"
### Step 6: Cases Auto-Route to Correct Database
Imported cases are automatically organized:
- **Public Cases** → Missing persons, wanted persons
- **Unidentified Remains** → Unknown decedents, John/Jane Does
## Discovery Status Indicators
Cases display color-coded badges:
- **🟢 New** - Case discovered for the first time
- **🟡 Updated** - Case information has changed
- **🔵 Imported** - Already in your database
- **⚪ Pending** - Available for import
## Best Practices
### When to Use Discovery
**Use "Discover 50 Cases" when:**
- Checking for daily updates
- You want quick results
- You're monitoring specific cases
**Use "Discover 200 Cases" when:**
- Setting up a new source for the first time
- You haven't checked in a while
- You want comprehensive coverage
### Avoiding Duplicates
The system automatically prevents duplicate imports:
- Each case has a unique identifier
- If you import the same case twice, it updates the existing record
- You won't create duplicate entries in your database
### Managing Imported Cases
Once imported, cases are treated like any other case in your system:
- You can add notes and evidence
- You can share with team members (Basic/Premium)
- You can create reports (Basic/Premium)
- You can set up tiplines (Premium)
## Troubleshooting
### Discovery Takes a Long Time
- External databases may be slow to respond
- 200-case discovery can take several minutes
- Try the 50-case option for faster results
### No New Cases Found
- Source may not have new cases since last discovery
- Try increasing the limit to 200 cases
- Check the "Last Discovery" date on the source
### Import Failed
- External source may be temporarily unavailable
- Try again in a few minutes
- Check your internet connection
- Contact support if problem persists
## FAQ
**Q: How often should I run discovery?**
A: Once per week is usually sufficient for most sources. Daily if you're actively monitoring specific cases.
**Q: Will I get charged for importing cases?**
A: No, discovery and importing are free features. You only use your case storage limit.
**Q: Can I delete discovered cases I don't want?**
A: Yes, just don't select them for import. Or delete them from your database after import.
**Q: What happens to my imported cases if I downgrade my tier?**
A: You keep all imported cases. You just can't import new ones if you've hit your tier limit.
## Related Articles
- Understanding Membership Tiers
- Managing Your Cases
- Working with Evidence Files