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Inevitably, no matter the story, an editor will ask: Who is your signature victim?

Memorable stories often have that one perfect profile, that one perfect case that reflects every thematic finding. There are many ways to find victims, from sources and advocates to police records and court cases. But these methods often rely on chance or a dose of luck.

Data can be used as a compass to find story candidates – both people and cases. These basic strategies work with databases acquired or created. Examine two real-world pursuits.