For each investigation that GHoST conducts as a team for a client, the following procedure will be used.
Pre-Investigation
The Pre-investigation phase consists of the communication and correspondence with the client prior to any on-site investigation activity.
Case Management
When a new investigation opportunity presents itself, either by client request, or GHOST request, then the entire case from initial contact to completion of case and submission of the report to the client needs to be documented. A case folder will be created and a unique case number will be assigned. The case manager assigned to the case is responsible for collecting this material from the appropriate sources.
Research
Once a new case has been fully engaged, the address will be handed to the research department for checking with local historical researches along with Internet researches.
Meeting and Interview
All new clients will undergo the same interview process as outlined in the GHOST Client Questionnaire. If the client wishes to proceed with the investigation, then the GHOST Client Information Release document and the GHOST Client Permission to Investigate should be signed by the legal authorizers to the property. These documents need to be signed before the evening of the investigation.
Staff and Equipment Assignment
Before the evening of the investigation, the lead investigators with the assistance of the tech department shall determine which staff and equipment will be used for the investigation. If a member is unable to attend the investigation, and their equipment is unavailable, then they shall inform the lead investigators within 24 hours before the investigation. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.
Equipment Preparation
Investigators bringing equipment to an investigation are responsible to assure that their equipment is in good working order, their batteries and extra batteries are charged, and all required accessories are packed. This could potentially effect the over all success of the investigation and may require disciplinary action. The tech department may decide to check all investigator equipment prior to the investigation.
On-Site Investigation – Environment Logging
A very important piece of any investigation is environment logging. What sort of weather is being experienced on the night of the investigation may add or subtract to information gathered. Rain and wind may easily generate false positives when attempting to collect EVP information, while poor or uneven lighting may cause one to notice shadows more than usual. Use all of your senses to get an accurate description of the environment you are entering.
Outside Environment Logging
Prior to the investigation it is important to log all external environmental factors that may or may not have bearing on the phenomenon being experienced at the residence. Recording this data may prove useful in the analysis of data or even for comparison to future investigations. Investigators should use the GHOST Outside Environment Log to record this data.
Inside Environment Logging
During the investigation of the residence, Investigators are required to log the environmental factors of the inside of the residence. Paying special attention to heating/cooling methods and lighting may greatly assist in gathering accurate data for the benefit of the client. At this time, baseline EMF readings shall also be gathered. Note any unusually high EMF readings with a post-it note at the location. Investigators will use the GHOST Inside Environment Log to record the data.
On-Site Walkthrough – Preliminary Investigation
On-site client interactions are to be handled solely by the lead investigators. This is important for the client experience. Having the same people communicating with the client throughout the process may be comforting to them, as well as preventing miscommunication of any information.
Client Walkthrough
The lead investigators will accompany the client through the initial walkthrough of the residence. During this time, the lead investigators will note any special conditions, which may affect the proper collection of data. Also, noting of potential areas for camera placement is essential. These places should coincide with common personal experiences from the client. These experiences should be noted but not communicated to all investigators yet
Preliminary Investigation
After the Client Walkthrough, the lead investigators and one member from the tech department will conduct a walk-through of the residence. During this time, baseline readings will be recorded as well as camera placement determination. Investigators should use the GHOST Preliminary Investigation Report document for this phase of the investigation. Sketch diagrams and digital stills of the rooms are to be used for camera placements and evidence review for post investigation. This is also helpful to walk through the residence without the client to discuss the areas of the house and prepare for the setup and investigation.
It is recommended that in this group they contain a breakdown of the following:
• One person taking EMF readings
• One person taking Temperature readings
• One person to take notes and record the readings from the other two investigators.
Set-up
The technical manager shall determine the location of the Command station. This shall be in a common area away from the area under active investigation. Here, all appropriate equipment (monitors, DVR, VCRs, computers) shall be placed. This area is to be manned at all times during an investigation.
All recording equipment connections are to be verified and tested before the start of an investigation. All tapes and recording devices are to be in maintained and in good working order. The Tech Manager is responsible for all recording responsibilities.
IR cameras and digital recorders are to be strategically placed away from potential traffic areas and focus on areas of reported activity. Special note shall be taken to noise or light pollution in these areas.
All cables are to be taped in areas of possible traffic to avoid any accidents.
All equipment with date and time functionality is to be synched prior to the investigation. The Tech Team is responsible for the synching of all equipment.
Investigation
Teams of investigators and lead investigators will carry out the actual investigation. No investigator is to be alone in the client residence at any time during active investigation.
Lights Out – Start of investigation
Once the Technical Team has determined that all recording equipment has been strategically placed and secured and verified that Command is established and all recording equipment ready, then the lead investigators may signal Lights Out for the residence. The Tech Team are to start recording video immediately prior to Lights Out. Investigators are to assure that all lights are out in the entire residence and all unnecessary equipment powered down. All personal cell phones/mp3 players are to be turned on silent at this point. From this point forward, an active investigation is taking place.
Active Investigation
The assigned first investigation teams are to now begin their sweep of the location. The team shall start in the room farthest away from the command area and move forwards or by a pre-determined route as instructed by lead investigators.
Each investigation team shall contain at least 2 members and no more than 3. Each team will have at least one camcorder with IR night vision, one EMF detector, one digital recorder, one ambient thermometer, and one digital camera. The investigator with the EMF detector is also responsible for digital voice recording and temperature reading when necessary. The investigator with the camcorder is also responsible for taking pictures of stills in each room. A notification of “Flash” is required before each picture taken, not only for the courtesy of the team member, but also for video purposes. For each room investigated, some voice recording shall be gathered.
During voice recording, all team members are to speak in a clear tone. If any accidental noise is made, investigators are to indicate loudly enough for the recorder that they are responsible, in order to eliminate false positives during analysis. During EVP collection, questions asked by the investigator are to be loud and clear, and appropriate amount of time between each question is to be allowed.
As the team moves through each room, the same routine should be followed. Special attention is to be given to areas of reported activity. During an investigation avoid touching or moving any household items unless absolutely necessary.
Blind Team
One team of investigators will enter the residence without any prior knowledge of the activity reported or phenomenon experienced by the client. This team is to vocally log any personal experience they may have while investigating in an attempt to correlate the experience with the client. This may give insight into distinguishing factors of the experience.
Investigation Logging
Each investigator is to have the GHOST Investigation Log Sheet to record the events and data gathered while investigating the residence. Depending on the equipment in the possession of the investigators, any data they can collect shall be logged. (i.e. Temperature, EMF).
Those investigators carrying cameras are to follow all rules set out by the technical department regarding camera angles, lighting, and proper handling.
Abnormal Activity Detected
In the event of phenomenon, special care is to be taken to preserve the event. If an item is moved or manipulated, photographic documentation is to be done immediately so it can be compared to the stills from the initial walk-through. Once photographic/video evidence has been completed, then investigation/debunking of the event may commence.
All unusual phenomenon, regardless of physical, visual, or personal experience, is to be logged for analysis post investigation.
Wrap-Up
Once the investigation has been deemed concluded by the lead investigators, a tear-down is called for. Tech managers will stop recording on all equipment and all team members will assist in carrying out a careful and efficient breakdown and wrap-up of cameras and any gear used.
Tear-down
During tear down, all items that have been taped to client property are to be carefully removed so as not to cause any damage to either the equipment or the client property. All cables are to be wrapped neatly and returned to the owner. All equipment will be returned to cases and boxes where appropriate.
Once all equipment has been removed from the location and all furniture and household items are returned to their rightful locations, then the lead investigators will engage the client to inform them that they have finished with the investigation for the evening, and that all of the data collected will be subjected to a weeks worth of analysis before report submittal.
While leaving the location, be mindful of any noise made as to not disturb residents or neighbors.
Post-Investigation
Analysis
All the video and audio collected by the investigators on the investigation will be submitted to Tier 1 analysis by designated GHOST staff. Tier 1 analysis consists of listening to all raw audio and watching all raw unedited video. This is the first step to the analysis process. Tier 1 analysts shall use the Analysis Log Sheet to record their findings.
Once Tier 1 analysis is complete, anything unusual detected during phase 1 will be edited from the raw audio or footage and submitted for Tier 2 analysis. No debunking or troubleshooting of the evidence is to occur in Tier 1. All anomalies are to be subject to Tier 2 analysis.
Tier 2 analysts, with the assistance of the investigators, will review the data gathered from Tier 1 and attempt to explain or debunk the phenomenon captured. In the event of no explanation, this evidence shall be submitted to the final report for the client.
Report Building
Once all the analysis has been completed, the evidence shall be submitted for inclusion in the client report. The client report shall include all of the baseline information gathered during the pre-investigation along with investigation methods, equipment placing, and relevant investigator logs. The report may include a CD with the Audio or Video data for the client’s records.
Lead investigators shall review the report and make any additions or removals prior to client submission.
Client Wrap-up and Case Closure
Once the analysis has been completed and the report has been generated, either a face to face or a call is to be scheduled with the client to review the investigation, reveal any data and answer any questions that the client may have. Referrals to other groups or solutions may transpire at this time, if further assistance is necessary. If further investigation is required this can be scheduled and the case kept open, otherwise the case is officially closed at this point.
Assistance courtesy of DuPage Paranormal Society.