Reports are your words, thoughts, opinions, facts and information gathered from research, interviews and the hunt/investigation.

Preparation and research are very important, be prepared with as much information before you begin.

Whether your report is a formal submission or just a general FYI the details are crucial.  The report should include as much information as possible so that the reader has a clear picture and understanding of the who, what, where and when. 

Due to our humanity, perceptions can and will be varied, but each should be considered and compared.  Including sensory data such as thought, emotion, visual, auditory, olfactory may be important to the overall results when considered logically and rationally.  Communication can come in many forms and differ with each person.

We have learned it is critical to document as you go and to collect, compile and compare data as soon as possible.  Try to be precise with the information submitted in the report.  Include historical data concerning the location in the report, whether it is word of mouth, folklore, and legend or media sources.

Include any possible logical explanations for what has or has not occurred.  Let’s say a door opening and closing is the focus.  What did you do to rule out rational explanation?  Keep in mind it is very important to consider all normal/natural causes that may have influenced the findings.

Personal accounts and experiences from those interviewed should also be included.  Depending on the subject matter a general overview may suffice.  The interview questionnaire can be summarized for the report.

Any observers allowed to participate should be aware of the basic plan and someone should be assigned to the observer before, during and after the investigation to avoid any conflicts.   Be sure the observer is aware and understands the standards and protocols before hand.

Maintain a file of all data collected and the report should a follow up be required or allowed at a later date.

It is helpful for each person participating to complete an investigation form for each visit to a location, before any discussions by the group.

As to the Time: note the time of arrival and departure.

Investigators present: list the team members.  If the report is to be made public, take care to have a release or permission from each before divulging any names.

Other participants would be listed as Observers: their input might prove valuable to your findings and report – ask if they will complete a checklist also.

Sketch/blueprint:  If not available before, take a moment to draw a diagram of the building or location, noting as many details as possible.  This can be valuable later on when trying to compare results.  If possible, photos and/or video of the area may be very helpful when trying to pinpoint an exact area, reflective surfaces, electrical influences and items that might cast shadows.

Weather: A check with your local news agencies or Internet weather sources for the area before and after the investigation should be noted as well as a visual opinion.   Take a moment to look up and do a visual inspection of the sky to compare in relation to the data collected.

Stats:

Unusual weather patterns a few days preceding and following should be noted.

Waning occurs from the full moon until the cycle reaches the new moon phase, when the new moon begins the waxing begins.  Again, a visual of the sky should be done to compare in relation to the data collected.

The information can change rapidly, if available include the Geomagnetic Storm activity: before, during and after the investigation.

Geological/seismic activity: Although this does not normally impact our region, any nearby activity might possibly have a bearing on our results.

By having each participant note the description, model, features of the equipment with sound/movement activation should be noted and if this feature was implemented.   Note also if internal or external microphones were used.  Photo, audio and video can require hours of review, list possible positive results until all review has been completed if the report is submitted before this task has been completed.

List how many rolls of film were expended, the number of audio and videotapes were used.  Adding the number of total photos and listing the number of possible positive results, as well as the number of hours of tape might provide crucial information at a later date.

If possible, before, during and after team up for comparison photos and recording to determine any possible mechanical differences that might influence possible positive results.

When multiple EMF meters are being used, compare the results.  Each one may be calibrated differently it might be of importance to know that one meter registers higher or lower than another for your report. 

Should any of the participants display Unusual emotional expressions: make a note of the emotion with as much detail as possible.  Try to determine if the emotion has any logical explanation or if relates to the location.

Document hot/cold spots and if temperature gauges measured any changes.  Try to make a determination if there is a logical reason for extreme temperature changes in the area.

Olfactory Phenomena:  Each person should note any noticeable odors, compare to other results submitted.  Make note of any possible influences in the nearby area.

Visual Phenomena:  Each person perceives what they see differently, most often relating it to what they are familiar with.  Comparing the visual reports may substantiate or conflict with one another, but this does not make one any less valid than another.

Being familiar with your equipment and its quirks can help eliminate Equipment malfunctions: not related to possible paranormal activity.

Changing film, tapes, batteries, etc can be difficult, time consuming - valuable data might be lost if one is not prepared.  A vest with pockets or utility belt with necessary items can come in handy.

Once all material has been reviewed compile all the data include any supporting evidence gathered, list any and all logical solutions that should be considered.  If a closing statement is included, present the facts.  Opinions can be part of the closing statement, but take care not to paint yourself into a corner.