How to Be a Good Young Detective

Whether or not you want to be like Nancy Drew or simply want to brush up on your sleuthing skills, this article is sure to help you.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Setting up your gear

This should include a compass, a magnifying glass and a pair of binoculars. Other items that might be of use include a notepad and pen, a phone and a digital camera.
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Make cards. Give your sleuthing services a catchy name and have cards printed up. You can give these to people when they obtain your help.
- Get an email address exclusively for your sleuthing services.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Learning the art of detection

For example, read "Nancy Drew", Half Moon Investigations, the "Hardy Boys", the "Sammy Keyes" series, and "Sherlock Holmes". It doesn't hurt to watch some old detective movie as well. For example, Charlie Chan.
Everything is evidence; remember that when you are looking for clues.
It is often the small things that carry great import. Seek the things that others tend to overlook.
For example, think of the approach taken by Detective Jairo Diaz.
Research each project with the utmost care. Use online resources to help you, as well as archived material, photographic material and interviews with people.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Being careful

For example, you might look for a lost dog or cat, unearth lost jewelry or set up a watch to see who is pinching lunches out of bags.
Do not break and enter, do not go into places where you are not safe, do not sneak onto transport and do not get yourself cornered.
If you do come across something that seems to be illegal, wrong or scary, contact the authorities or tell someone you trust. Do not venture into it any further.
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Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Being a great youth detective

Most of all, have fun learning to detect evidence, put two and two together and reach logical conclusions. Test your findings by asking questions and assembling all of the facts together.
Perhaps you'd like to become involved in work that requires sleuthing skills, including police work, being an attorney, doing forensic science or actually becoming a professional detective.
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Question
Does getting involved with bullies count as being dangerous?
Community Answer
If you are at risk of the bully hurting you, then yes. Better to gather intelligence and covertly take notes on their activities, and present the evidence of their activities to a trusted adult.
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Can I help the police solve a crime?
Community Answer
You should not do anything about a case if it is too dangerous, and the police would probably not take anything from you seriously. But, if it is safe to investigate and you find something, do show it to the police.
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What if other kids don't want me to be a detective?
Community Answer
Keep it a secret. Don't tell anybody unless they want to help you. A detective should be stealthy, anyway.
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Tips

Learn to theorize.
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Try some brain teasers or logic puzzles.
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Everything is evidence, from peoples' professions to where they were at the time of the event.
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Nancy Drew, A Murder Most Unladylike Mystery series by Robin Stevens,Sherlock Holmes, and the clockwork sparrow.

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Warnings

Do not get involved in anything that is a crime. Hand over your evidence to the authorities and let them deal with it if you suspect you've stumbled across an actual crime.
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