Be a Teenage Detective

Do you ever have strange, mysterious things happen to you or someone you know? Do you ever have strange, suspicious feelings about the people around you and what they're really doing? For example, suspicious neighbors or the phone company showing up and working on your phone line when you didn't ask them to. If you'd like to learn how to be a teenage detective or be more observant, then keep reading.

Steps

  1. Find something to investigate.
  2. Know the skills you need. Being a detective requires you to disguise, spy, dust for fingerprints, ask questions, and do research. Does someone or something seem as if they have something to hide? To get to the bottom of it, first take a notebook and write down what the case is about, your suspects/suspicions, and a checklist of what you must do to solve the mystery.
  3. Read over your notes and search the area of the mystery for clues such as footprints, fingerprints, articles of clothing, notes, keys, or anything else that might relate to the mystery.
  4. Question anyone who looks suspicious. That might give a hint or two without you even knowing it! Even if you don't learn anything new, you will be able to cross off any suspicion, or add suspicion there. If you are stuck, try researching on the internet about everything you learned. You might learn something that you haven't learned from your case like myths or secrets leading to secrets. If you are positive of your suspicions and you have seen something that defines your answers, grab a friend or two for back-up, and a cell phone in case your suspect tries to harm you, and reveal your evidence. If you witnessed something but don't have evidence at hand, all your work goes down the drain, so always have a video tape or an audio recorder on you to record your findings. Lastly, you do not actually want to confront the suspect. This can be very dangerous. If you are positive that you know who it is, tell an adult or a police officer.



Tips

  • If you're spying on someone (for instance a suspicious neighbor) and it's night, make sure to turn off the light in the room you're spying from. That way, the people who you are spying on can't see you as well. Also, be sure not to open the curtains too much because you could risk being seen! Move slowly or don't move at all. The eye catches motion easier.
  • Think, be smart, and do lots of research! If you don't try to find out or learn things about being an amateur detective then you won't get anywhere.
  • Have a sharp eye for catching things that don't feel quite right.
  • Consider each fact. Anything insignificant can also solve the case.
  • When out investigating or looking for clues, ALWAYS CARRY A CELL PHONE (mobile) and be ready to call your local emergency number if you absolutely need to.
  • When searching for clues never give up, persevere, and keep a sharp eye.
  • Always be ready, and don't jump to conclusions. Take your time, and go step by step. Double-check everything.
  • Keep your eyes open for trouble, but be careful and always know what you're getting yourself into!
  • If you find a clue, have a piece of tissue to pick it up with so that you don't smear any of the criminal's fingerprints.
  • Avoid being seen when spying.
  • Never call anybody the culprit. Refer to them as a suspect.
  • When investigating or looking for clues, it's a good idea to take someone with you, like a friend (or two).
  • When asking questions, be polite, and don't ask too many (if they think you are rude and ask too many questions they may suspect you are on to them).
  • Always remember-a good spy camouflages well.
  • Be careful.
  • Make sure you aren't breaking any laws.
  • Learn how to tell how people are feeling by understanding facial expressions.
  • Don't take any dangerous or unnecessary risks.
  • Avoid contact with a criminal at all costs.
  • Whenever spying on someone and you have a cell phone, make sure that it is switched off or set to silent mode.
  • For girls, always carry some makeup with you, you never know if you need to change your makeup as part of a disguise!
  • Research the suspects beforehand so that you will know a little bit about them before investigating.

Warnings

  • Don't accuse someone of breaking a law unless you can prove it!
  • If someone catches you and tries to hurt you when you're spying, investigating, or looking for clues, then call out for help from nearby people, and try dialing the police on your cell phone.
  • Always keep a sharp eye out; you never know if someone is Keep From Being Followed. If you know they are, try not to panic. Go to a very public place such as a popular store or even the police station if it is nearby. Remember, the person will not want to be seen following you, so going in public places will discourage them.
  • Always plan out your methods. Even the slightest mistake can cause trouble.
  • Know at least basic self-defense methods. You never know when a particularly dangerous situation that you can't immediately get out of will arise.
  • Don't get yourself into a sticky situation, or you might not be able to get out of it.
  • That being said, try not to intentionally seek out situations where it's very likely that you will need to defend yourself.
  • When spying, do not spy on their personal affairs that do not relate to your case.
  • Don't harass suspects. It could lead to big trouble with the police.
  • Avoid being seen when spying.

Things You'll Need

  • A magnifying glass (to look for clues).
  • A notebook with pen or pencil (to write down any suspicions). hide the notebook as well so that nobody can find it.
  • A tape recorder (to interview people or suspects as well as to have some verbal evidence). Hide that, too.
  • A bag to put everything in. Make sure to always keep the bag close to you so that no one else can get to the evidence you have collected. The best bag for the job is an over-the-shoulder bag that has an adjustable strap.
  • Binoculars to help you get a close up look at the people you're spying on. Once again, try not be seen doing this.
  • A flashlight. (Make sure that you don't directly shine it at people).
  • A camera.
  • A cell phone to call for help.
  • Plastic bags to put evidence in. Be careful not to lose them or they may fall into the wrong hands.
  • Some snacks in case you are out for long periods of time. You don't want to lose your energy while out researching, or if you get into trouble!
  • A friend that you can trust to help you.
  • Makeup bag (optional). Disguises are great to have, and make-up is one of the best ways to cover up your identity. Boys can use these, too!
  • Gloves. This is so that you do not accidentally leave your own fingerprints anywhere and frame yourself, or that you do not disturb any other fingerprints you may find.
  • A device that can take videos. This can be useful if you suspect something bad going on, or can even be used to conduct interviews.
  • A plastic tube to put fibers and other small evidence.
  • A multi-purpose knife. Do NOT use it to threaten others or for anything else not related to the case.
  • Back-up.
  • Spy kit (optional).
  • Tweezers to pick up small evidence. Be careful, once again.
  • A brush and powder to dust for fingerprints as well as special tape to lift them off of the object.
  • A detective handbook. A handbook can provide you with good info on what to do during spying.

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