Protocols

To ensure personal safety and the credibility of collected evidence, every paranormal research group must develop and use guidelines for its' members to use in every investigation. The Missouri Paranormal Research Society has adopted the following protocols which they use for every investigation.

1. Our members never go alone to a haunted site. Whether due to paranormal or human concerns, it is never acceptable to jeopardize a team member's security. Two witnesses are better than one, if something paranormal occurs. Also, during an investigation, every individual is in contact at all times with the other members of the group.
2. Ensure, before departing for an investigation, that all equipment is in good working order. Carry a lint free cloth to clean all camera lenses prior to use. Make sure that all cameras, analog audio recorders, and camcorders have fresh tapes. All equipment should have fully recharged batteries and fresh batteries should taken to the investigation.
3. Only enter property by invitation. In the case of public property, the managing agency, park ranger or trustees, should be made aware of your intentions. In the event you are going onto public property after dark you may also contact the local police, so they can also keep an eye on you. It is advisable to have plenty of identification on hand in the event you have to meet with the police.
4. There is to be no smoking during an investigation and no drinking prior to or during an investigation.
5. Remove all camera straps and attached lens covers from cameras and camcorders. Long hair must be tied back, and ball caps either removed or turned backwards to keep the bill from getting in the picture. No white shirts or clothing that is highly reflective is allowed. Dress appropriate to the situation.
6. Get to the site early to plan where to set up your equipment and to investigate the fields of observation. Eliminate anything that may yield a false positive. Things that may yield a false positive are excessive external lighting, excessive dust or moisture, smudged windows/mirrors. It is also adviseable to check for hazards prior to starting an investigation. Hazards could be loose or uneven flooring material, steep or wet stairwells, property boundaries,etc.
7. All members are expected to behave in a courteous and professional manner. Every member is expected to be educated on the nature and categories of spirits and ghosts, the protocols for a controlled investigation, and the nuances of their individual equipment.