Use public, lawful sources
Court records, agency releases, archives, and credible reporting are welcome. Illegally obtained or private material is not.
Community research
Responsible curiosity belongs in the room.
The Sleuth Unit is a public Facebook community for people who enjoy records, details, local history, and careful research without needing to be on camera or behind a microphone.
Before participating
Community rules
Participation depends on respecting the people behind the cases and the boundaries of responsible public research.
No harassment or doxxing
Do not publish private addresses, phone numbers, workplaces, family details, or other identifying information that is not necessary and already officially public.
Do not contact subjects
Never confront, message, follow, visit, or pressure people connected to a case on behalf of the group or the show.
Label uncertainty
A theory is not a fact. A social post is not verification. Say what a source establishes—and what it does not.
Protect families and witnesses
Do not pressure relatives, witnesses, or survivors to participate. Consent can be withdrawn.
Send urgent information to authorities
The group is not an emergency service or law-enforcement agency. Time-sensitive safety information belongs with the appropriate official agency.
A firm boundary
Research is not investigation authority.
Membership does not authorize surveillance, interviews, evidence collection, trespassing, impersonation, or contact with people connected to a case.