With a sudden onset of “investigation morality” it has been noted recently that there have been several paranormal investigation groups that have decided to jump on the politically correct sensitivity bandwagon by making public proclamations that they will no longer investigate cemeteries because they now feel that it is “invasive.” What about performing investigations in public places such as Gettysburg National Battlefield? How about going into someone’s private residence to investigate a purported occurrence? Each of these instances is more invasive than the next and yet these individuals continue to go on with their hypocritical double standard as if no one will notice. (Insert thoughtful silence and ticking clock sounds here.) Um, in case these individuals missed it that is what investigation is…it’s invasive. We are investigating, we are asking questions, we are attempting to find answers, we are questioning history about past events and interviewing people about what they know or have witnessed. It doesn’t get much more personally invasive than that.

            The degree of invasiveness, however, should be kept in check by the good discretion of the investigator. Obviously, we do not want to perform an investigation while a funeral is taking place, nor do we want to attempt an investigation at the site of a national MCI* tragedy. As investigators, we want to always maintain a professional presence and, should a situation arise, we should bear in mind that sometimes discretion is the better part of valor and it may be necessary to quietly close an investigation prematurely so that we may afford the proper respect to others who may be in the area.

            True, with the mass dispersion of “paranormal reality TV” showcasing the flagrant lack of sensitivity in paranormal investigations, as portrayed by television “crocumentaries,” paranormal investigators need to rebuff this image of ignorance by doing their utmost to act in a professional manner. Even with this stinging fact before us it is not up to me to dictate within the brief parameters of this article what is and what is not acceptable on a paranormal investigation. That is a judgment call that is left to the investigator who should use common sense tempered with discernment and good judgment to ascertain what is acceptable within the community that they are working in. Aside from what has already been stated I can only leave you, the reader, with the following set of general Standards and Protocol that are generally accepted by most reputable paranormal investigation organizations.

General:

• All investigators should be of sound physical and mental health.
   

• There will be no toleration of discriminatory or disparaging remarks or jokes about color, creed, ethnic background, social status, religious beliefs, etc.
   

• All forms of tobacco and other similar products are prohibited during periods of investigation. Illegal drug use is strictly prohibited at all times and will result in dismissal from the organization.  
   

• There are to be no fires, fireworks, fire crackers, sparklers, smoke bombs or any other products of this nature while on an active investigation site.
   

• There will be absolutely no consumption of alcohol either before or during an investigation.
   

• At times, it may be necessary to ask permission to enter into a property or area or to stay after hours. If this is the case you should ask permission from the property owner or manager as far in advance as possible. If the area that is to be investigated is a public property and there are no operating hours posted then it should be assumed that the operating hours are from sunrise to sunset. In most jurisdictions operating hors for public parks is generally sunrise to sunset unless otherwise posted. You should notify and receive permission from the local law enforcement agency before proceeding with your after hours investigation. Never, under any circumstances trespass on or in any property, area, or building as this may result in imprisonment, fine or both. 

Respect:

• All investigations shall be performed in a scientific manner that would reflect the integrity of the work that is being carried out as well as the proper respect for the places and items that are under active investigation
   

• Regarding respect for investigation sites: All national monuments, battlefields, cemeteries, houses, buildings, private properties, public lands, historic places, etc. shall be treated with due respect to both the living and the deceased.
   

• Regarding respect for property: All investigators shall respect the property rights of the individual owners, managers, caretakers and so on regardless of ownership status. This applies to all properties whether it is commercial, private, or governmental.
   

• There will be no running or horseplay at any time during an investigation. This type of behavior does not befit an investigator and it does not give the proper respect to the place or area. It is also disrespectful of the living as well as the deceased. This type of behavior may result in removal from the investigation site.
   

• Regarding vandalism: Never deface, damage, or in any other way mutilate any gravesite, monument, item, statue, memorial, building, or other piece of property. This destruction of property may result in fine, imprisonment, or restitution having to be paid.
   

Photography / Video

• Never shoot a photograph when the camera is aimed at the sun or another bright object such as high intensity discharge lighting (such as street lights) as this will result in lens flare and possible create false anomalies.
   

• Do not take photographs from moving vehicles as this will result in blurred images and possible false anomalies.
   

• Do not to attempt to shoot photographs through windows or other glass surfaces as this will cause image distortion and possible false anomalies.
   

• Do not attempt to take photographs in adverse conditions such as in a snow storm, fog, rain, windy/dusty areas, or anywhere near a fire. These also result in false images which will be discredited.
   

• Be sure that all photographic equipment to be used during the investigation is in good working condition and that the lenses are free from scratches, hairs, dust, fingerprints, etc.
   

• Avoid photographing shiny, luminous, or highly reflective surfaces, especially when using the flash. Failure to do so will possibly result in false anomalies on the photograph.
   

• It is good practice to be sure that all objects such as long hair, loose clothing, jewelry, and so on are well out of the range of the camera lens when shooting photographs. Also, be aware of the position of  your fingers in relation to the camera lens and be sure to remove the lens cap.
   

• Always use a fresh roll of film that has a valid expiration date on the packaging. Never use any film after it has expired.   
   

• Develop all film used on an investigation within one (1) week of completing the roll.

For videography and EVP recordings if you are using cassette type devices you should always use a fresh tape with a valid expiration date on it. If you are utilizing digital equipment you may disregard this warning.

• It is good practice to remove the wrist strap from a camera while performing an investigation. However, if you are not comfortable in doing this, the strap should, at a minimum, be restrained in some way so as not to cause interference while shooting photographs.
   

• During an investigation which will employ videography or EVP it is good practice to state the time, date, location, weather conditions, etc. as well as any other pertinent information that you feel would make a significant contribution to the investigation. On many models of video equipment the time, day, date, etc is available as a digital “stamp” that can be recorded directly onto the images that are being filmed.
   

• Remember that if your camera uses a memory stick or similar media card RF frequencies, static electricity and magnets can and have affected images that were stored on the camera’s media card. There are documented incidents where someone has placed their digital camera near a stereo speaker or over another similar source that emits a magnetic field and the images on their media card were distorted or lost.
   

• Don’t put media cards or other memory devices into your pocket without some sort of protective case or something of the like. Static electricity may be created by movement and the images can become distorted. In other incidents the pinholes in the back of the media card were plugged with pocket debris creating a problem between the card and the camera.
   

• Keep your media card in its container and away from magnets and RF frequencies so that they don’t accidentally get erased.
   

• Take a subjective photograph of the evidence or area using the highest resolution your digital has. Be sure your evidence marker card has the case number, your initials, date, and the item being photographed written on it.
   

EVP (Cassette)

• If using a cassette style recorder you should always use a fresh cassette tape for each EVP session. Never record over or use a tape that has been previously used as this may result in false EVP recordings and diminished sound quality on the tape.
   

• You may experience and “tape hiss” on the recording. This effect is common on some “economy” grade cassettes. This, as well as heavy amounts of distortion may be encountered so it is recommended that a high grade of cassette tape be used. 
   

• Make sure that the batteries in the recorder are fresh so as to eliminate “tape dragging” that would cause distortion and false sound anomalies in the sound file.
   

• Try to keep the recorder away from sources of magnetic interference as this will distort the sounds, create a great deal of interference rendering the recorder inoperable or it may potentially erase the tape.
   

• If you are recording indoors, investigators should always be aware of the environment that they are recording in. If there are people talking within the range of the recorder, if the recording are being made in a “high echo” area, or if there are other background noises which can interfere with the quality of the recording it may render the EVP file useless.
   

• If you are recording in an outdoor environment you should be aware of planes flying overhead, vehicular traffic in the area, barking dogs, trains, chirping crickets or birds, water, wind, and other background noisemakers that may get picked up on the recording.
   

• You may want to consider making a “profile” recording of each of the persons who are attending the investigation. In this circumstance this allows the investigator to have a file with which to distinguish actual EVP from other people on the site who may be creating background chatter. This can be done by having each person on the investigation site state their name on the recording for comparison purposes.
   

• You may wish to make a recording of the average ambient background noise of an area so that you will have a subjective sample to compare your EVP samples to. It is also good to log any decibel meter activity during this period as well.
   

• Not all background noise is “bad.” Some chatter, white noise, ambient background noise, or low volume music can actually help capture EVP. It is up to the discretion of the investigator to decide what is appropriate for the situation. 
   

• Traditionally to record EVP investigators have set up recording equipment and allowed the recording to run for hours in order to attempt to capture EVP. Obviously this process led to hours upon hours of tedious analysis of tape with mostly nothing on it. Generally speaking when attempting to record EVP you can record for as little as thirty (30) seconds or as much as ten (10) minutes. Recording more time that lasts for more than 10 minute intervals usually yields no more EVP than when shorter times are recorded.
   

• If possible try not to walk while recording EVP and try to keep your arm still if you are holding the recorder. This will eliminate the sounds of false footsteps and possible sound from air movement. Also, if you are holding the recorder do not move your fingers on the hand you are holding the recorder with as this will generate false sounds as well. 
   

EVP (Digital)

• Make sure that the batteries in the recorder are fresh so that you can work without interruption.
   

• Avoid sources of static and electrical interference such as fluorescent lights, microwaves and the like as they will create distortion in the recording.
   

• If you are recording indoors, investigators should always be aware of the environment that they are recording in. If there are people talking within the range of the recorder, if the recording are being made in a “high echo” area, or if there are other background noises which can interfere with the quality of the recording it may render the EVP file useless.
   

• If you are recording in an outdoor environment you should be aware of planes flying overhead, vehicular traffic in the area, barking dogs, trains, chirping crickets or birds, water, wind, and other background noisemakers that may get picked up on the recording. Digital recorders are particularly susceptible to background noise as they tend to be more sensitive to the surrounding environmental conditions that are cassette type recorders.
   

• You may want to consider making a “profile” recording of each of the persons who are attending the investigation. In this circumstance this allows the investigator to have a file with which to distinguish actual EVP from other people on the site who may be creating background chatter. This can be done by having each person on the investigation site state their name on the recording for comparison purposes.
   

• You may wish to make a recording of the average ambient background noise of an area so that you will have a subjective sample to compare your EVP samples to. It is also good to log any decibel meter activity during this period as well.
   

• Not all background noise is “bad.” Some chatter, white noise, ambient background noise, or low volume music can actually help capture EVP.
   

• If your digital recorder is equipped with a voice operated setting you may wish to employ it so that it will eliminate many minutes of extraneous recording time with nothing on it.
   

• If possible try not to walk while recording EVP and try to keep your arm still if you are holding the recorder. This will eliminate the sounds of false footsteps and possible sound from air movement. Also, if you are holding the recorder do not move your fingers on the hand you are holding the recorder with as this will generate false sounds as well.

                The thought which is of greatest importance is the safety of you and your investigative team. Although most of us who take parapsychology seriously go to great lengths to obtain and document data there is no significant amount of data worth being injured for. It is of utmost importance that you use common sense, discretion, and good personal judgment to assess a situation before proceeding.

• Establish a central meeting place in case someone gets separated from the group. Time parameters should be established as to when the investigation will begin and end.    
   

• Always carry a properly equipped and fully supplied first aid kit that is kept in a centrally located area where all investigators and crew members know where it is at. It is also important that team members be familiar with the first aid kit, what is in it, and how to properly use the items that it contains.
   

• Be sure that all battery powered equipment such as flashlights and communication devices have fresh batteries in them and that extra bulbs and batteries are on hand in they are needed. Also, you may wish to carry an emergency “snap” light sitck.
   

• Work in teams of at least two and carry short range communication devices such as two way radios. Indicate your position to others in the group so that if an accident does occur they will know your approximate whereabouts.
   

• Never perform an investigation in inclement weather such as snow storms, high winds, thunder storms, or other natural events such as this.
   

• Do not attempt to investigate areas where the stability or structural integrity of that place is questionable. When investigating old buildings, mines, caverns, and places such as these investigators should be especially careful due to structural or stability concerns.
   

• Never enter a structure such as a condemned building, abandon mine, cavern, or other area that is unsafe or may potentially become unsafe. If there is ever any degree of doubt, don’t risk it.
   

• If there are posted warning signs in the area of the investigation, they are there for a reason. It is recommended that all crew members and investigators abide by them.
   

• Be aware of your surroundings. As most investigations take place at night it is a good tip to be continually aware of your surroundings, especially when working in an outdoor environment. 

* An MCI, as defined by the law enforcement and fire / rescue community, is considered to be a mass casualty incident, such as the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.     

            The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the position of Haunted Times Magazine, HTM staff or any affiliates of HTM. The opinions expressed in the above column are solely that of the author.  

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