Overview
Case Linking allows investigators to connect related cases so they can see the bigger picture, avoid duplicate work, and maintain a complete investigative record.
When two cases are linked, both show a reciprocal reference - meaning you can navigate between them and understand how they relate.
This feature helps investigators identify patterns such as repeated offenders, recurring incidents, or overlapping reports.
When to Link Cases
Best practice suggests to link cases when you discover that:
Two or more reports refer to the same incident or event.
The same offender or subject appears across multiple investigations.
Cases are connected over time (e.g., similar behavior or escalation).
A report is a duplicate submission of an existing case.
There is any other meaningful relationship that adds context to an investigation.
Important to note that linking does not merge cases or share attachments. Each case remains separate, but visibly connected.
How to Link a Case
Open a case you’re investigating.
Click the “Link case” button in the case header.
In the Link Case window:
Search for another case by ID or name.
Choose a Link Type (required):
Same Incident
Same Offender
Same Location
Series Over Time
Duplicate
Related
Optionally, add Notes to explain why you’re linking them.
4. Click Confirm link.
A success message appears, and both cases immediately show the link.
Viewing Linked Cases
Once linked:
Linked cases appear as chips in the case header.
You can also view them in the Linked Cases panel in the case detail view.
Each linked case shows:
Case ID / Name
Date linked
Case status
Linked by
Link Type
(Optional) Notes
Clicking a linked case chip opens the related case in a new tab or workspace.
Restricted Access & Masked Links
If you don’t have permission to view a linked case:
You’ll see a masked reference showing a redacted case ID and case name instead of full details.
You’ll still be able to see who linked the cases, when, the link type, and any notes provided at the time of linking.
You cannot open the restricted case or unlink it from your side.
This allows you to understand that a connection exists between cases while still protecting sensitive or restricted information in line with access permissions.
Unlinking Cases
If a link was created in error or no longer applies:
Select the chip of the linked case.
Select the Unlink icon.
Confirm in the dialog:
“Are you sure you want to unlink case [Case ID] from this case? This action will remove the connection between the cases but will not delete any data.”
The link is removed from both cases.
Only user with permission to both cases can unlink cases.
Audit Trail
Every link and unlink action is automatically recorded in the audit log, including:
Who performed the action
Date and time
Linked case ID
Link type
This ensures full transparency and traceability for compliance and reporting purposes.
FAQs
Who can link cases?
Only users who are permitted to edit the case details, these could be assigned Case Leads, Super Admins or other users that have been invited to the case with case editing access.
Does linking merge my cases?
No. Cases remain separate but display a mutual link for context.
Can I edit a link’s notes or type later?
Not in this version. To change details, unlink and relink the cases.
Can I link cases to cases that I don't have access to?
No, you can only link cases together if you have access to both. Permissions are enforced during search and creation.