5 Essential Tools for the Armchair Detective
- By Website Editor
- •
- 21 Feb, 2017
Like many of you, I haven’t spent the past mumblemumble years immersed in true crime stories without picking up a few investigative tips. Let me be clear: I won’t insult the time and resources that real-life investigators have committed to their craft by claiming that I have any real clue what I’m doing. But the online true crime community has stirred up some handy tools to assist in their amateur sleuthing, and sometimes, it makes a difference. I poked around some forums and did some research to find the five essential tools any amateur investigator should keep in their arsenal.
National Unidentified and Missing Persons System (NamUs)
NamUs is an indispensable online database of missing persons and unidentified bodies. It contains information about the circumstances in which an unidentified victim was discovered, including descriptions and pictures, if possible, of clothing, appearance, and other notable pieces of evidence.
Recently, NamUs factored into the case of Jason Callahan, a 20-year-old man missing since 1995. When a new facial reconstruction of an unidentified body was released, online sleuths noted the resemblance to Callahan’s NamUs profile and alerted authorities. Roughly a year later, DNA confirmed that the unclaimed body was, indeed, that of Jason Callahan.
Of course, for the morbidly curious, you can simply get lost in a rabbit hole by searching for the missing people in your area.
If there’s a comprehensive database of all cold cases, Websleuths is it. Every case you’ve heard of (and plenty that you haven’t) has a related Websleuths forum. The serious, diehard investigators and true crime junkies collaborate to look at cases from new angles and sift through long-forgotten or overlooked evidence to find new leads. Occasionally, law enforcement agencies even turn to the massive forum for assistance. If you’re not active on Websleuths already, it can be a bit intimidating to get started. Forum participants may be amateurs, but they’re the most serious amateurs on the internet. Check out the FAQ and forum rules to get started, and don’t be afraid to jump into the conversation. Everyone starts somewhere, and most commenters understand that.
In the same vein as Websleuths, Reddit’s Unresolved Mysteries subreddit offers a wealth of information and secondary sources for many cases, cold and otherwise. While Reddit’s history with amateur investigation has had some hiccups, the subreddit is a great place to find new perspectives that you may not have considered. Reddit is less strictly moderated than Websleuths, so I recommend having or growing a thick skin before participating, but it’s mostly a supportive environment of like-minded people.
It’s one thing to read about the cases that fascinate us, but sometimes visiting the scene of the crime helps put many case details into much clearer context. If you’re as entrenched in true crime as I am, that would add up to a large travel bill. That’s where Google Maps comes in. Many investigators, documentary filmmakers and podcasters use the street view feature to get an idea of spatial relationships and other crime scene details. And sometimes, the Google car even catches baddies in the act!
Freedom of Information Act Requests
For the super-serious armchair detective ready to invest some time and effort, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests can often provide firsthand accounts of case details. FOIA makes many (not all!) documents and records available from public agencies all the way to the Executive Branch. FOIA requests may turn up overlooked police records for prematurely cleared suspects, witness interviews, and many other documents related to an investigation. Sometimes, even one missed statement in an obscure document can mean the difference between a dead end and a hot lead.
Not all true crime fans are interested in getting deeply involved, but these tools may come in handy during CrimeCon! You’ll have an opportunity to review some real case evidence and contribute your ideas. So brush up on those case details and bring your investigating A-game to CrimeCon!
--CC Informant
CrimeCon Returns to London on 7th and 8th June 2025: A Must-Attend Event for True Crime Enthusiasts
Exciting news for true crime aficionados – CrimeCon is making its much-anticipated return to London on 7th and 8th June 2025! As the biggest UK event for those with a passion for the true crime genre, this is an unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of crime, justice, and investigation, all set in the heart of the UK capital.
CrimeCon UK has built a reputation as the ultimate true crime experience, where enthusiasts, experts, educators and professionals come together to explore high-profile cases, delve into forensic science, and hear from those at the forefront of criminal investigation. 2025 promises to be the best event yet - being more captivating than ever before.
What to Expect at CrimeCon 2025
Building on the enormous success of past years, CrimeCon London 2025 will once again offer attendees exclusive access to leading criminal experts, investigative journalists, detectives, and true crime content creators. With a packed schedule of live panels, interactive discussions, and real-life case studies, this year's event is guaranteed to leave attendees with insights into some of the most talked-about cases and topical true crime themes. Not only this, CrimeCon UK puts victims and advocacy for justice at the heart of the event - making sure that CrimeCon is a platform for every story that needs to be told.
Here's a glimpse of what awaits attendees at CrimeCon 2025:
- Exclusive Interviews and Case Debriefs: Hear directly from those involved in some of the UK’s most intriguing and infamous criminal cases, hearing from those that were directly impacted by criminality.
- Meet Your Favorite True Crime Content Creators: The digital world has revolutionised the true crime genre, and CrimeCon will be bringing top content creators together to discuss their platforms, methods, and deep dives into unsolved mysteries.
- Interactive Exhibits and Forensic Workshops: Put your sleuthing skills to the test as you take part in immersive activities, which have, in the past, included forensic analysis and criminal profiling.
- Q&A Sessions with Experts: Get the chance to ask burning questions to investigators, criminologists, and legal professionals.
Who Should Attend?
Whether you're a die-hard true crime fan, a criminal justice professional, or just someone curious about the world of crime-solving, CrimeCon is perfect for you. The event brings together a diverse community of people who share a passion for exploring the darker side of humanity while discussing critical issues of justice and victim advocacy.
For those already familiar with popular crime podcasts, books, and documentaries, this is your chance to engage with the experts and learn more about the complexities behind these stories. CrimeCon offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
Secure Your Spot
Tickets for CrimeCon London 2025 are expected to sell out fast, so be sure to grab yours soon. Various ticket packages are be available, offering different levels of access, from basic admission to VIP and Platinum experiences, where you can enjoy perks such as exclusive sessions with speakers, early access to certain events and enhanced event benefits.
To find out more and to book your tickets, click here. Don't miss out on being part of the most thrilling true crime event of the year!
Now is your chance to ensure your favourite true crime content from 2023 is recognised in the TCAs!
VIEWERS' CHOICE: Whether it's your favourite series, documentary film or influencer - make sure you submit your thoughts on your favourite on-screen true crime content today! Remember - only content released in 2023 is eligible and will be counted.
LISTENERS' CHOICE: All True Crime podcasts (that released content that is available in the UK during 2023) are eligible to be nominated so be sure that your go-to true crime podcast is recognised!
READERS' CHOICE:
Which true crime book caught your attention in 2023? As long as it was first published last year then it's eligible to be nominated, so cast your vote today!
Voting is now open and closes on 31st March 2024.
Those with the most votes will be recognised and awarded at the True Crime Awards which is scheduled to take place on 25th April 2024.
SERIES 5 EPISODE 2
AVAILABLE NOW
Damian Barr is joined by Shetland and Vera author Ann Cleeves to discuss her new novel, The Raging Storm. Lauren Lyle, star of the series Karen Pirie, reveals how she brings the Val McDermid character to life, and, on the 30th anniversary of Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh talks about the ITV crime series and his latest novel, The Long Knives. True crime podcasters (and our very own Nancy Baughen) rate Truman Capote classic In Cold Blood, and crime readers at the Shetland Noir Festival in Lerwick recommend their favourite reads.
If you'd like to catch up and watch this incredible episode of The Big Scottish Book Club, click here.
