Paranormal investigating is not an exact science but we approach the investigation like a scientist. We will do a thorough investigation and hopefully provide help to our clients and give them some understanding and comfort for their particular situation. We also want to rule out any possible natural or man-made occurrences.
So, what do we do when we are asked to investigate a haunting? Here are the 5 steps we use to get you from the initial request to the investigation.
Step 1. The Interview
One of the first things we need to do is talk to the client. During the interview, we will ask questions from your initial contact, whether by e-mail or phone. We note anything that might help us conduct our investigation. If we feel it’s important to use a camcorder or voice recorder to tape the interview we will always ask permission to use them before the interview. We ask that you be as honest as possible no matter how strange or personal it may sound. It is just as important to get to know our clients as it is the alleged phenomenon.
We try and gather everything our clients can tell us about the events. We want to get the specific details – date, time, and what they were doing at the time. We will ask you how you felt when the event happened. Find out if there were any other witnesses and get their names for possible interviews with them.
After we conduct the interviews, we will set up a time to do a walk-through.
Step 2. The Walkthrough
Once we have completed the initial interview our team will want to do a complete walk-through with you. We will have you recount the events in the locations to help jog your memories as you may provide us with more information. Keeping in mind the specifics from the interview, we look inside and outside the structure. We take pictures. Make note of anything we need to check that may influence our investigation and possibly on the events revealed to us.
We check the area out and make notes if it is an urban or rural area? Each has its own specific features. Is it a quiet or noisy neighborhood? Are there hydro poles around? What’s the traffic like? Are there just cars or are there buses and heavy trucks that go by? What kind of lighting is in the area?
We need to know if the location is in good repair. Are the windows drafty? Are there squeaky floors? Are there noisy or unbalanced doors? Do you notice any temperature changes or electrical problems? How is the plumbing? Are the appliances noisy? Is there an animal or insect infestation?
During the walkthrough, we will discuss the date and time we will perform the investigation. Agreeing on the length of the investigation. We encourage the owner/resident to participate.
Step 3. The Research
Taking the information we have gathered, ask permission to do more detailed research on the property. We investigate to find out if there have been any significant occurrences that may have happened there and then research those events and how they could relate to your investigation.
We sometimes go to the city archives and look up property information. The history, research, and newspaper sections of the local library are another excellent source for additional information.
Step 4. The Investigation
During the walkthrough, we will discuss the date and time we will perform the investigation. Gather our team of investigators and take all our measurements and readings with our equipment. We break into teams of two to cover the area quicker. Establish our baseline readings for EMF and temperature. We set up our equipment, positioning cameras, and recording equipment at established hot spots.
We use our equipment and continually monitor our static equipment for low batteries and functionality. We do EVP sessions to try and contact the spirit. We take pictures and use video cameras. We rotate our teams between locations. One team may encounter something where another may not. We investigate any noises, lights, or smells to find their possible location or source and note what we may or may not have found. We try and duplicate any event related to you about the past activity as well as any that have occurred while doing the investigation.
We take notes throughout the investigation, recording our research and any activity we encounter. These notes will describe the activity, along with the location, time of occurrence, and any other witnesses present. We continue to re-check our baseline readings during the investigation and note any significant changes.
Step 5. The Reveal
We analyze and compile the results of the investigation and present a thorough report of our investigation to our client. We point out items that had a natural or man-made influence on the events and explain how they could have been mistaken for paranormal activity. If we find anything unusual that could point to spirit activity, we present that as well and give an honest interpretation of the results. We provide our clients with all the information we have gathered regarding their situation. This will allow us to review everything we have done before, during, and after the investigation.
If the client contacts us again at a future date, and a follow-up investigation is needed, we will re-evaluate the entire location and any subsequent activity reported by the client. Conduct our re-investigation as before.
Check out our Past Investigations.
