By Crystal Brown, Leader, Girl Scout Junior Troop #864

Have you ever been involved in a “who dunnit?” Well, the awesome Juniors of Girl Scout Troop #864, Girls Scouts – NC Coastal Pines have!  On October 22, 2013 our troop met with two wonderful detectives, Detective Amanda Salmon and Sgt. Jackie Tyler, which between the two of them have over 35 years’ experience in detective work.  Det. Salmon informed us this was the first time a Troop had asked for participation with earning their badge, so her department was thrilled and just as excited as our Troop. Can you imagine — 7 detectives worked with our girls for over an hour?!

Upon arrival Det. Salmon met us outside to show us the beginning of a crime that occurred the night before. Yellow crime scene tape and a BROKEN GLASS DOOR (not really broken but was decorated to look broken)!  As we entered the building, Sgt. Taylor gave the girls a notepad and pen to write clues. While learning about detective work, they were given a fingerprint kit and DNA swabs to test the detectives in the next room.

The girls began a question and answer session with the detectives about their whereabouts during the incident. After speaking with the detectives, the girls compared notes and after a thorough, well planned investigation the girls had “gotten their man!”  It was a case of “oh my baseball hit the glass window and I didn’t have time to clean it up!”

The Troop had solved the crime!  For doing such a great job the girls were awarded official Raleigh Police Department Patches, Gold Police Badge (pin), and of course satisfied the requirements to receive their Junior Detective Badge.

Here are some thoughts from the Troop:

“I liked being a detective most. I also liked learning how to solve crimes.” – SARAH G.

“I liked that the detectives came to help us the most. I learned how to take DNA swabs which I didn’t expect to learn and it was cool that we learned in the police station.” – AYANA B.

“We got to learn what police do and they were funny. I like the investigation we got to do!” – LULA G.

“I thought it was cool that my guy was the bad one, even if it was an accident. It was a lot of fun.” – LAILAH P.