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There
are guidelines
that should be followed before, during and after conducting
any investigation.
Before
the investigation, research the site you
plan to visit. View the internet for any history to the area. Visit your
local library, county records or tax assessors office or meet with a local
historian or personal contact(s) to get as much information about the
site. Check out the area during the day just to familiarize yourself with
the area. Make sure you have legal access to any site you plan to
investigate to avoid trespassing. Determine who will operate each piece of
equipment.
Items
to take on the
investigation include personal identification, 35 mm camera with at least
400 speed film, digital camera, spare
batteries, a
flashlight, spare
batteries, a
first aid kit – you never know when you might need one, notebooks with
pens and/or pencils to log EMF readings and other pertinent information, a
watch to log arrival and departure times and times of events, video camera
with unopened blank tapes, tripod, spare
batteries, tape
recorder with unopened blank tapes, spare
batteries,
digital audio recorder, EMF detector – where there are ghosts there are
usually disruptions in the electronic field, thermometer or thermal
scanner to detect changes in temperature, cellular phone (in case of
emergency), hand held radios for communicating with others in your group,
a compass can be used in place of an EMF detector as it will notice any
disruptions in the electronic field – also important in navigation, and
oh yes, spare
batteries.
Batteries seem to drain rather quickly during paranormal investigations.
Standards
and protocols, smoking, alcohol,
ouija boards, and séances are not recommended. In our humble opinion, it
is a good idea to say a
prayer both before and after an investigation. Keep an open mind and a
positive attitude, a negative attitude may draw negative energy. Let
Spirit know of your intentions, ask its permission before taking any
pictures. Always conduct the investigation in a professional manner, no
horseplay, be reverent. Do not take pictures if it is raining, snowing or
foggy. Do not trespass on private property. Don’t whisper as it could
taint your recording results. Clean your camera lenses regularly.
Remove
or tether camera straps. Keep long hair and fingers away from camera lens
during operation. Always use fresh tapes for both audio and video.
Never
go alone. Never wear perfumes or colognes as spirits often use scents to
get our attention. Take notes and record all occurrences during an
investigation.
GHG follows the standards and
protocols for field investigations.
The
investigation, GHG chooses that once we enter the site
we
ask for blessing for protection during the investigation. Some people will
tell you that by doing this in the name of God, you will keep away evil
spirits. This is our personal choice, we believe that each
person or team has the right to chose their own form of protection and
higher being.
Walk around the area for 15-20 minutes before beginning the hunt
to get used to the area and to let the spirits get used to you. Set up
your equipment and log your start time.
Make note of any areas that may
cause false positive pictures such as light sources that could be mistaken
for orbs or false readings (breaker/fuse boxes, large appliances, etc).
Open film and tape and load the cameras and recorders. Start
investigating, take pictures, use the video cameras, recorders and
detectors.
Make
notes of temperature and meter readings, strange sounds, smells
out of the ordinary and any strange feelings or emotions you
have and the location you were when you had the feelings.
After
the investigation, we say prayer and ask that the spirits remain
and not follow you home, again in the name of God.
After
the investigation,
make no conclusions or opinions until all reports, tapes and pictures have
been reviewed.
Keeping
in mind positive documentation can be elusive, review all the
data with logic and common sense. Exhaust all efforts to
find a logical solution before making a determination.
Documentation
Questionnaire
Preparing
for an Investigation
Standards
and Protocols |
