Investigation Guidelines
All
of these guidelines are in place to protect clients, guests and members from bodily injury and to help
A.P.S.
be respected in the paranormal community.
1. RESEARCH:
Research, Research, then Research some more. This is the foundation of a good investigation. There are Researchers within
the group that handle this but please be sure you are aware of the pertinent information.
2. BE ON TIME: If you are late so is the investigation. In some instances we may
not allow person(s) who are late to participate in the investigation.
3. CLOTHING: All investigators must wear their A.P.S. shirts to A.P.S. investigations. Guests and probationary
members must wear black or dark clothing. Please wear sneakers; there may be LOTS of walking.
4. All Investigations will have 6-8 Investigators in attendance (unless otherwise
determined by the Case Manager). Two Investigators per team and 1 Video Investigator per Actively Investigating team. The
only exception to this is a Ghost Hunt or Private Investigation of a Large Building (Like TALA). Auxiliary Investigators will
be supplemented when they are needed.
5. NO DRUGS,
ALCOHOL, OR MOOD ALTERING DRUGS BEFORE OR DURING. The use of drugs, alcohol, and mood altering prescriptions (unless medically
necessary) will be STRICTLY PROHIBITED before and during investigations. This may affect your ability to sense paranormal
activity and/ or your behavior. (NOTE: Please advise Founders of any medications and/or medical issues before going on any
investigations for Emergency purposes.) If you take medication that is required or necessary, TAKE IT, but if it's optional
and impairs your judgment please don't! Your senses are your biggest asset!
6. CHECK YOUR SURROUNDINGS: Please get a lay of the land when you get to an investigation. Remember
most investigations take place in the dark; be aware of steps, holes, etc.
7. NO FOOLING AROUND: This goes with #5! Please avoid horsing around during an investigation; inattention
may cause you to miss something important. It is dangerous and disrespectful to other members if you aren't paying attention.
(i.e. talking, running, PDA's) We take this seriously, if you don't: DON'T BOTHER
8. SUPPLIES: You must bring any supplies including food and drink that you may need on an investigation.
We ask that each member have a camera (digital or 35mm) and a Digital Recorder (PC Compatible), though it is not required.
9. BE OPENMINDED: Do not expect that every knock
is a spirit, or that every spirit is a human. Check all occurrences for reasonable explanations. Make sure you document these
occurrences and any conclusions you reach on the Investigation Vigil Log (do not use opinions just facts)
10. DO NOT GO ALONE: For safety issues take someone and a flash light with you.
One Private Home Investigations please use a pen style flashlight.
11. NO
SMOKING: This is a touchy subject! Smoke can cause false evidence and can interfere with investigation. Smoke can be seen
on Cameras and Camcorders and be confused for a paranormal anomaly. Since smoke can be strong in smell it could cause a matrix
of scents making it impossible to tell if it's a paranormal scent or real life.
12. SMELLS: Just like smoke we ask that there are NO strong colognes or perfumes worn during an
investigation. Once again spirits can manifest as scents so keep it to a minimum.
13. DO NOT TOUCH CLIENT PROPERTY THAT DOES NOT PERTAIN TO INVESTIGATION: This is self explanatory;
failure to follow this guideline WILL result in your membership being revoked.
14. CONFIDENTIALITY: All research, evidence, and client information will be kept confidential unless
otherwise advised.
15. MAINTAIN POSITIVE ATTITUDE:
Stay upbeat. Spirits don't come out on command so, be patient. A positive attitude will also keep you safe from any unwanted
spiritual or human contact.
16. CELL PHONES:
Please keep all cell phones on vibrate. Do not take calls unless it's an emergency, if it is an emergency please use your
phone in a neutral area.
17. RESPECT: Please respect
everyone within Antietam Paranormal Society's investigative crew. Follow all instructions given by the Lead Investigator,
failure to follow instructions may result in expulsion from the investigation and/or the Society.
THERE WILL BE NO:
*Sexual flirtation, advances, or propositions.
*Verbal abuse of sexual nature.
*Graphic
verbal comments about an individual's body.
*Degrading
words, sexual or otherwise used to describe an individual.
*Groping
or fondling any member or client
*Smoking.
*Fighting.
Investigator Duties/ Requirements during an Investigation:
*All Investigators must fill out/ sign a Confidentiality and Liability Waiver before
an Investigation.
*All Investigators must fill
out the Investigation Personal Experience Log during the Investigation.
*All Investigators at Base Command/ DVR must keep up the Investigation Activity Log. (Team Locations)
*All Investigators will tag ALL sounds that they
hear or make during an investigation so that there is no question as to what the sound is (yawns, sighs, taps, knocks, bodily
noises, location noises, etc. If you are unable to locate the source then make note of that also.
*All Investigators will maintain an even, clear, and loud tone. This allows us to
know if the person speaking is one of us or something paranormal.