Rasterfahndung

"Rasterfahndung" is a compound noun in German made up of "Raster" (grid or pattern) and "Fahndung" (manhunt or search). It refers to a specific police technique known as "dragnet investigation" or "grid search," where data sets (such as databases) are systematically analyzed to identify potential suspects or patterns in criminal activity. This technique is often used to track down suspects based on their digital footprints or other identifiable information.

Similar words:

• "Ermittlung" (investigation)
• "Suche" (search)
• "Sichtung" (screening)

Differences:

• "Rasterfahndung" specifically refers to a detailed and systematic search method using data analysis, typically for law enforcement purposes.

• "Ermittlung" is a more general term for an investigation that can encompass various techniques and methods, not necessarily including systematic data analysis.

• "Suche" is a broad term meaning "search" and can apply to any context, not specifically investigations.

• "Sichtung" generally means "screening" or "viewing" and doesn't imply the detailed, systematic approach associated with "Rasterfahndung".