Investigation Protocols

Mission Statement

Pasadena Paranormal Research Society is an organization composed of individuals and groups dedicated to helping out home owners with their paranormal problems. P.P.R.S will never close an investigation until we feel the home owners problems are solved.   

The Investigating Team

The most important and sometimes difficult part of preparing for an investigation is putting the team together.  The team should be set up like a military unit:  at the top is the team leader (usually one of the directors); next would be the assistant team leader.  These two people should have equal knowledge of the case and the person who brought the team in.  In addition, the team leader is in charge of all of the participants, dividing them into groups and assigning specific tasks to each member.  He/she will know all aspects of Pasadena Paranormal Research Society procedures and able to answer any questions from team members and acting as spokesperson for the group. If one of the directors is not available, they will appoint someone to be in charge in advance.  The assistant team leader should be able to handle problems or answer questions if the TL is occupied. Each member of the team may be assigned a specific duty.

What to bring on an Investigation

Common Sense Items:

• First Aid kit

• Cell Phone       

• Watch

• Water and Snacks

• Zip-lock baggies and/or clear containers for evidence 

The bare minimum:

• 35 mm camera with at least 400 speed film (800 works better outdoors)

• Extra film and batteries for the camera

• Flashlight with spare batteries

• Notebook with pens, log sheets and or hand held tape recorder

Advanced equipment:

• Video camera (optional tripod)

• Tape recorder with external microphone and high-grade tapes

• Compass - NOTE: spirits often mess up the normal magnetic fields

• Thermometer  - to detect rapid temperature drops and cold spots

• Motion detectors

• Barometer - cold spots will also have strange pressure readings

• EMF (electromagnetic field detector) – this will sense disturbances in the area

• Night scope

• Thermal Imaging camera  (if on hand)

• 2-way radios

Equipment Usage and Tips

The serious paranormal researcher knows that the most valuable tool for their investigator's toolbox is plenty of extras.  The toolbox should include extra batteries, extra flashlight bulbs, extra tapes, extra film, etc.  When on an investigation you want to be well prepared. You do not want to have that once in a lifetime opportunity such as a full body apparition to float on by because your batteries were drained or you did not have enough film.  In this field there is never enough when it comes to equipment.  Remember to bring lots of spare batteries for everything.  Due to spirit activity, batteries often run down very fast.

Cameras

Cameras are a valuable tool for investigating a haunting.  They provide a visual documentation of the site and the phenomena occurring.  Cameras are neither for nor against the supernatural allowing what we do not see with our closed minds to be photographed.  When attempting paranormal photography you should load the film into the camera about 20 minutes after your arrival at the investigation site. This will show the intention you have and by this recognition draw spirits to you.  When taking pictures it is also wise to say ' flash'.  Paranormal photography is best achieved during the hours between 9 PM and 6 AM, the most opportune time for you will be when you have the feeling something is near you or watching you, you will know that feeling.  While photographing at the site you should try to avoid any unnecessary focus points that might have lights, reflective surfaces, poles or any other obstruction that will interfere with evaluation or determination of the photograph and its elements. All photographs should be cataloged with the corresponding negative for archival storage.  If you are more experienced photographer you may want to try infrared film.  We have seen results from Polaroid and digital cameras but we suggest you only use these along with a 35 mm camera so you can compare the results.  We have tried various brands of 35mm film, and all work equally well.  When you develop them you don't need to go to a camera shop, the local drug store or department store is fine.  Let them know you want all the pictures developed so that you get the pictures that they might think are bad ones.  These "bad ones" are normally your best ectoplasm mist photos. 

Video Cameras

Video cameras are an important instrument for an investigation.  Unlike still cameras they provide us with constant visual and audio surveillance for review and observation.  Unfortunately video cameras do not have the success rate of taking paranormal photos that a still camera has, but it does have its advantages.  With video any phenomenon can be documented in its entirety.  This will show the duration of the phenomenon, what is happening, the conditions surrounding the phenomenon, and possibly even its cause.  When setting up the video camera, place it in an area that has an unobstructed view of the entire area being investigated, but not in the way of the investigators, an entrance, or an exit.  When videotaping, state the location, time, investigators' names, and weather conditions.  It is extremely important to state any obstruction in the focus point of the video camera that may be perceived as an anomaly during review, such as a light source.  Do not use any external light source when videotaping.  Most video cameras are low lux or have a night setting on them. If so, use that setting.  When reviewing the tape, be sure to mark down all the times a phenomenon occurs.

Tape Recorders

Tape recorders are without a doubt one of the most important pieces of equipment that you should have in you investigators toolbox.  Tape recorders are used for many different purposes during an investigation.  They are used for interviews, spontaneous thoughts, and electronic voice phenomena (EVP) or paranormal sound phenomena (PSP.)  When using tape recorders be sure to state the location, time of investigation, and investigators' names.  When recording investigators' names it would be wise to have each individual present state their own names. This will make it easier for distinction between voices heard on the tape during review.  Voice activation mode should be turned off when an electronic voice phenomenon is trying to be achieved. This is due to the fact that it usually cuts off beginnings of words, sentences, and phrases.  If the recorder comes equipped with a tape counter, record the locations on the tape where any audible phenomenon is being heard during review. Parabolic microphones are an advantage to have when ghost hunting.  These microphones amplify sounds that are a great distance away or below your range of hearing.  When used with a tape recorder, this will increase the chances of recording electronic voice phenomena.

EMF

The Electromagnetic Field Detector, also known as an EMF detector, is the modern day psychic researcher's tracking device, a very important piece of equipment.  With this instrument it is possible to locate and track energy sources.  Before using the EMF detector as a research tool on an investigation, be sure to walk around the area and take readings around energy sources such as light poles or electrical outlets. This allows you to be sure of the readings you receive while scanning the area during the investigation.  Most units come with a manual describing most household and major appliances and their corresponding electromagnetic reading.  When using the EMF detector as a tracking device look for fluctuations of 2.0 to 7.0, since this usually indicates spirit presence.  Anything higher or lower usually has a natural source.

Flashlight

Flashlights are a must for any investigator.  In most investigations this will be the only light source you will have.  When using the flashlight, the investigator should have a red filter fitted to the lens if possible.  This still provides clear vision but tints the light to deter detection from the public.

Compass

The compass is a useful instrument to an investigator due to its compact size and low cost price.  When used on an investigation, this will indicate spirit presence when the needle cannot come to a precise heading or spins/moves erratically.

Night Vision

Night vision scopes are beneficial when an investigation is being conducted in low light conditions.  They provide clear vision in darkness and can be adapted to a video camcorder, providing the investigator with an illuminated view when recording and reviewing.
           
Thermometers

A thermometer is an inexpensive item no investigator should be without. It acts as a detection system, as a rapid temperature drop indicates spirit presences.

Motion Detectors

Motion detectors can be used to sense movements by often-unseen forces or spirits.  You can get battery operated ones for about 20 dollars and they are great for inside. We have seen them used successfully outdoors as well, just be careful of the placement.  You don't want a tree branch setting it off.   

2-way Radios

2-way radios are a good communication system for an investigation team.  Often the investigators tend to split up and this will allow quick and clear communication to avoid searching and yelling.

General Investigation Protocol

Here are a few guidelines to follow during any investigation, whether outside or in a private building or house:

• Have everyone meet at a designated place and time.  Upon arrival gather together and get into a positive frame of mind.  Decide who will work with each piece of equipment and divide into teams if necessary.  Do not load film or tapes yet.  Make sure you are ready to take a log of all events during the investigation whether in a notepad or a tape recorder.

• Walk around the area to get a feel for the surroundings and allow the spirits to get a feel for you.  Do this for about 20 minutes. Log in your start time, weather conditions and any other relevant information.  You can also begin to set up any stationary equipment

• Every member must keep a log of events/times or call them into the central logger – everything needs to be logged, no matter how trivial.

• EVP or PSP recording should be done in the “background”.  This means no questions posed toward the spirits while the clients are present unless directed before hand by the site director.

• Psychic/sensitive detectives also must log everything (events, feelings, etc) in notes or on tape.  Do not state observations out loud if the client is present unless directed before hand by the site director.

• When the directors end the investigation, gather back at the vehicles.

• All members involved must turn in their reports within two days of the investigation. The form will be handed out at the site to you by the directors and you just fill in the blanks.  We do this so that a formal report for the client can be given to them within 7 days of an investigation.

• No conclusions, judgments, etc., of events and/or the property should be made in front of the clients.

1st hour on scene

• If any witnesses have not been interviewed before, they should be interviewed by a member. (taped/videoed if it is ok with the witness)

• If possible, all members and clients should walk through the location.  One member should map the site, noting air vents, heater, electrical appliances, fuse boxes, computers, etc.  One member should take 5 to 10 test photos during the walk through.

2nd hour on scene

• Load remaining film and tapes. Begin surveillance as directed.  We will try to rotate positions as often as time allows.  Do not leave a post unless directed by a team leader or director.

• Always stay with a partner.

• Wrap up.  Make no conclusions.  Share no conclusions or opinions with clients.  All the reports, photos and tapes must be reviewed before we can make any conclusion.  The on site director can alter these protocols if necessary.  These guidelines make us look professional and caring to the clients.

Photography Guidelines

• Open your film and load your camera after walking around the location for about 20 minutes first.

• Use at least 400-speed 35 mm film.  400 and 800 speeds work the best.  1000 speed film develops too grainy and I would avoid using it although many investigators do have success with it.  Black and white film also works well. If you are an experienced photographer, you may want to try infrared film, which also has had excellent results in the past.

• Make sure you note any other lights in the area so when you view your developed pictures you will not think a streetlight is an orb.

• Make sure you clean your camera's lens regularly.

• No smoking at the location, this can appear to be mist on the photos and can contaminate your evidence.

• Watch for dust or dirt being stirred up in the area you are photographing.  They can give false positive pictures.

• All long hair should be tied back or under a hat. Again, this is to eliminate any false positive pictures and give the skeptics less ammunition.

• Remove or tie up any camera straps, they look like a vortex when photographed. 

• Watch for reflective surfaces, streetlights and any other light source that may appear in the photos and make notes of them.   The flash reflected off shiny surfaces such as windows, polished tombstones, etc. could look like an orb or other anomaly. 

• Let fellow investigators know when you are taking a photo so that you don't get double flashes and the night scope operators can look away.  If you think you have a double flash photo or any other false positive, log the picture number so you can exclude that photo from the batch when they are developed.  Night scope operators can get eye damage if they look at a flash through the scope so this is important.

• In cold weather be conscious of your breath so you don't photograph that, it looks like ectoplasm mist.  If you think you may have, log that picture number and discard it when you develop the pictures.

• Many people like to ask the spirit if they can take their picture. It can't hurt.

• Take pictures anywhere and everywhere.  If you feel something or someone else does, take a picture.  If you think you saw something, take a picture.

• Sometimes you will see orbs, mist or sparkles in your flash or others' flashes, take more pictures right there, you are near a spirit.

• You may only get 1‑ 2 pictures for every 50 you take. That's about the average, so don't get discouraged.  There have been at sites where investigators didn't get any and others where 30% of the ones they took were positive.

• Don't pay for fancy developing, you can get them developed anywhere.  Just let the developers know to process and print every photo.

• We need copies of any positive 35mm photos for our reports and files, so you may want to get double prints.

Video and Audio Recording Guidelines

• Load the tapes when you are loading the film so you've given any spirits in the area a chance to get used to you. 

• You can set up stationary recorders and just let them run; walk around with them or both. 

• During audio recording, ask questions, whether general or specific to a certain spirit.   You can find a few ideas for question on or near the gravestones (i.e. how did you die, who left flowers, etc.)

• Make sure you view or listen to the whole tape.  EVPs or PSPs are usually not heard at the time of recording but are heard only when the tape is reviewed.

• Review notes where you should have recorded any normal sounds as well as unexplained ones (dogs barking, cars, etc.) This way you can tell if a sound you didn't hear at the time is now on the tape. 

Code of Conduct

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