What’s New at Independent Detective?

Improving the Research Center, Statistics & Case Map

We’ve been reviewing and correcting parts of the site’s statistics and mapping experience to make the information easier to understand and more useful during case research.

• Statistics improvements: We’ve worked on corrections to the way archive information is presented in the Research Center, including case counts and case-type breakdowns.
• Map improvements: We’ve made corrections to the case-mapping experience so visitors can more confidently use geographic information alongside individual case files.
• Clearer navigation: The Research Center and case tabs help visitors move between summaries, maps, timelines, investigative details, sources, and other available case information.

Our archive is an ongoing project. As information is reviewed and cases are updated, we will continue checking the accuracy and clarity of the information displayed across the site.

New: Getting Started Guide

We’ve introduced a dedicated Getting Started page for anyone who is new to Independent Detective or wants a refresher on how the site works.

The guide uses labeled screenshots and plain-language explanations to show you how to:

• Navigate the site and move between case files.
• Understand case classifications, location information, and the details shown on each case page.
• Explore photo galleries and the Overview, Map, Timeline, Investigation, Sources, PD Contacts, and Public Tips tabs.
• Open the Research Center to explore archive statistics.
• Find and use your private Research Workspace.
• Submit a case-specific correction or report when you spot information that needs attention.

We’ve also replaced the old All Archived Cases header navigation button with a Getting Started button, making the guide easier to find.

New Video: The Origins of Independent Detective & a Site Walkthrough

We’ve added a video tutorial introducing the story behind Independent Detective and walking visitors through how to use the website. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore more cases, the video is a helpful place to begin.

Watch the video directly on YouTube if you’d prefer to view it there.

Research Workspace: Keep Your Investigations Organized

We’ve also made the site’s research tools easier to explain and discover through the new guide. The Case Research Workspace lets registered researchers organize their work around individual cases.

• Investigation Notes: Write and save private case notes for future reference.
• Research Sessions: Keep track of your research activity and return to saved work.
• Follow Cases: Keep a convenient list of the cases you’re interested in.
• Submit Evidence: Access the workspace’s evidence-submission area.
• My Investigations: Review followed cases, recent notes and sessions, workspace activity, daily challenge information, and the status of corrections you’ve reported.

Workspace notes and saved research are not visible to other community members. As explained within the workspace, site administrators may review activity for moderation, safety, legal compliance, or appropriate law-enforcement disclosure.

New: Contact Us Page

We’ve added a dedicated Contact Us page so visitors have a straightforward way to send general questions, suggestions, and website-related feedback to the Independent Detective team.

For a correction or concern about information in a specific case file, please use that case’s reporting option when available. This helps keep the report connected to the correct case. For broader questions or help navigating the website, the Contact Us form is the best starting point.

Case Information, Corrections & Responsible Research

Maintaining a public case archive means continuing to review details, clarify how information is presented, and provide ways for visitors to flag possible errors. We appreciate the people who take the time to read carefully, consult sources, and submit useful corrections.

If you find an issue with a case entry, use the reporting option on that case page. Please share specific, verifiable details when possible. A submitted report is a request for review, not an automatic change to the public case file.

Independent Detective is a public research resource. Please respect the privacy and safety of people connected to these cases, avoid speculation presented as fact, and leave urgent information or potential evidence to the appropriate law-enforcement agency.