About Operation // NODE
Operation // NODE is a law enforcement training and development initiative focused on bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and front line policing. We create hands-on, real-world classes that break down complex technical topics—like OSINT, cyber investigations, and digital forensics—into practical skills accessible to officers at any level. Beyond training, we actively test and recommend free and open-source (FOSS) tools, ensuring agencies can adopt powerful solutions without prohibitive costs. We also develop our own tools to support investigators, such as Heimdallr, our in-house facial recognition platform built specifically for law enforcement use.
About the Instructor
Nate Nobel is a sworn law enforcement officer, cybercrimes investigator, and digital forensics specialist with a deep passion for making complex technology accessible to the officers who need it most. With a professional foundation in IT and networking, Nate transitioned into law enforcement and quickly recognized a growing divide between the rapid pace of technological advancement and the ability of most agencies—and individual officers—to keep up.
That gap wasn’t just academic. It meant missed evidence, delayed investigations, and missed opportunities to protect victims and hold offenders accountable. Determined to change that, Nate pursued extensive training in digital forensics, OSINT, and cyber investigations, becoming a technical instructor and subject matter expert in areas ranging from cryptocurrency tracing to ICAC investigations. His mission is simple: to give law enforcement the tools and confidence they need to operate effectively in a digital world.
Through Operation // NODE, Nate designs and delivers training that breaks down high-level technical skills into clear, actionable knowledge for patrol officers, detectives, and technical units alike. His approach is grounded in real-world application, not theory—always focused on what will work in the field, in the moment.
Beyond instruction, Nate also contributes to the law enforcement community by building and recommending free and open-source tools that lower barriers to entry. One of his current projects, Heimdallr, is a facial recognition platform developed specifically for investigative use—designed to be affordable, effective, and officer-friendly.
At the core of everything he builds and teaches is the belief that the future of law enforcement depends on adaptability, continual learning, and empowering officers with the knowledge to meet threats head-on—both physical and digital.