Being a GOOD Investigator
Sept 6, 2021 11:52:50 GMT -5
Post by Tammy R on Sept 6, 2021 11:52:50 GMT -5
Let me say that this is my own personal opinion and not meant to be considered a Golden Rule for anyone. I am just writing this to give advice that might help you on your way and hopefully keep you safe. If you disagree with anything or you feel that things here don't apply to you then by all means don't feel obligated to follow the advice I share. But if you feel that there are things you can include in your journey then please know that I'm glad I can help.
First and foremost, every team and every Investigator needs to be comfortable in their situation, and be ever cautious of what their intentions are. If your decision is to get involved in Paranormal investigations then it needs to be for the correct reasons. If your doing this for thrills and chills, then honestly your not in it as an Investigator. If your intent is to help people to attempt to explain the events taking place, then there's things you should know.
Investigating the Paranormal is still an unknown adventure, none of us know for certain who or what we are going to encounter when we venture out into the dark places, or even client's homes, so your number one priority is to NEVER go alone always have someone with you and someone who isn't with you but who knows your EXACT whereabouts. (I'll be honest here, with our team we have a non participating member who has our exact location and we also involve Law Enforcement, who know exactly who is present on the investigation and the exact location of where we are.)
Whenever your going to be doing an investigation, whether it's in a private home, a business establishment, a historical site or cemetery (Make sure your NOT TRESSPASSING, GET PERMISSION) Always try to check out the locations in advance. A good rule of thumb is when your doing a private home or business is to do an initial meeting with your client. Take time to sit down and talk, get a feel for the client, find out what their comfort level is, and take time to explain what your planning on doing during the investigation. Also try to get familiar with the site, learn what areas you might have to avoid for safety reasons, or per request of client privacy. If they request that you not enter a certain area during your investigation, then please respect their request.
Also take this time to let the client know what equipment you are planning to use during your investigation, not everyone is open to having people come through the home snapping pictures, running tape recorders and other equipment so let them give you their feedback on what they are and aren't comfortable with. If your team uses Spirit boxes, or other items used for communicating other than voice recorders. Some clients may request that these not be used. (I personally will not use a Ouija Board, or have one present on an investigation) and some clients will view the spirit communication devices as being much like using a board, so be respectful. Let your client be an active participant in choosing what they are okay with.
If you do investigations in private homes or establishments, if your client request to be an active participant on the investigation, then let them be. If you've taken the time to meet prior then maybe you have some equipment that the client would like to use, let them be a part of it. This is actually a good thing, especially if your client is dealing with something that needs to be dealt with from a Paranormal standpoint. If they can be involved in the investigation, and the cleansing, blessing then that gives them more power to combat whatever force may be disturbing them. This is their home and they need to know that they have control, this way they are gaining confidence but aren't doing it alone. And in being involved they are more willing to stand against the activity.
I honestly like having my clients present if at all possible so that they can play an active role in what we are doing. But there are times especially if the clients are being traumatized when they aren't willing to stay, or feel unsafe to attend. Let that be their choice. If you feel that having the client present is not a good idea, or if you feel that they may actually be involved in some type of deception then requesting that they not be present is your choice. Alot of times in these cases they will decide that they will call off the investigation. This is also another reason while doing an initial meeting with the client is beneficial.
Also by doing a meeting you can actually be looking for signs that things may not be quite right, if your interviewing a client and they seem to be showing some signs of deception or something doesn't feel right, listen to that feeling, it may be that there's something telling you that this isn't a safe place, their may be things going on with the client that they aren't sharing or maybe there are other things taking place that you aren't aware of or prepared to deal with. This gives you a chance to poilitely bow out, by saying that although you'd like to be able to help, your unsure if your team is able to. Be polite, never tell a possible client that you feel they need to see a Dr. or that you feel it's in their head.
Unfortunately sometimes Paranormal events can have these effects on a person and if in the case that it is other worldly or Paranormal then saying something wrong can be just as traumatizing as what they are already experiencing. But telling a potential client thst you believe it's some type of mental issue is definately a big "NO, NO". And it can cause alot of harm in some situations. So if your gut is telling you something is off then instead tell them that you feel it may be in their best interest to contact clergy. That way you aren't leaving them upset or insulted and you aren't putting the client or yourself / your team at risk.
If your investigating and the client isn't an active participant during the investigation, still stay in contact with them, this way if something should occur that needs taken care of they are available to ask questions or contact in case of an emergency. If something happens that they haven't mentioned that is a drastic event they need to know and maybe something simular has happened that they forgot to mention. This way they know that your being thorough and still taking their safety in to account and lets them know that you want them to be aware of these events when they return home. If there's a power failure or flicker, if a light burns or blows out let them know. This way they aren't retuning to a dark house, it could be a case of simple weather conditions or it could be something your investigating, but either way it's better that they are aware and can make the call to say they want you to continue the investigation, or they'd like to stop. If they choose to stop it.
If they ask that the investigation be ended then please do, let them know that your team will begin collecting your equipment but that you will wait for their return to leave the location, this way you can speak with them directly and let them know what led up to the event that took place. This way you all understand what happened, how it happened and then it builds trust that your intentions are for their safety. And in turn this will benefit your team if you should be asked for references and if the clients allow you to share their information for that purpose. HOWEVER, always ask before giving out any client information, some clients prefer not to have anyone knowing that they've been involved with an investigation. If they request complete privacy then please follow their request and give NO INFORMATION.
When your investigating a public or historical location, the same rules should apply, take time to go and get to know the layout look for anything that could pose a threat when your investigating. If there are trip or fall hazards, write them down. Take a notebook and draw out the area, mark down broken headstones, tree stumps, underbrush etc. anything that could pose a threat when walking in the dark, and then share the information with your teammates before entering the location at night. This way you are at least somewhat prepared and avoid injuries. It's also a good rule to practice proper dress code for locations, anything baggy or draping can be a potential trip hazard, so proper fitting clothes should be worn.
Dress code with our team is basically optional with a few exceptions, we all need to be comfortable because if we aren't it can and does affect your investigation, make sure you take into consideration what type of weather you may be encountering. You don't want to be in 100 degree weather wearing a sweater and coat, but you don't want to be in 25 degree weather wearing shorts and a tank top. So wear something that fits the weather, if it's warmer then bring along a jacket or pants to switch into or put on if needed, and vise versa. Also a good rule is to always wear shoes, some people are more comfortable wearing flip flops, sandals but in all honesty they aren't always a practical choice, shoes will protect your feet especially when roaming around in areas where they might be hidden objects to trip or step on.
But with all of this being said, the most important thing you can do to be a GOOD Investigator is to ALWAYS BE HONEST. Never fake findings or evidence, if you capture anything that you can't explain share that information with your client and let them know that you can't explain it. Let them know if your not sure whether it's got a Paranormal attachment or if it's something that can be explained but unfortunately something that you aren't able to explain but that someone with knowledge in that area may be able to explain it to them.
Let them know that it's ok to look for answers from other people that can address other events that are taking place in their situation, that way they are getting full disclosure which will help them greatly in coming to terms with whatever is creating the situation. And at the end of the day, it will help everyone, I've had several clients that have contacted me after an investigation who have followed up with properly accredited persons that were able to completely explain the findings we reported, and have been able to fix issues that were actually the cause of certain events that came down to non Paranormal issues.
Your main goal if your intentions are to be a true Investigator should be to honestly be looking for the truest answers, explain anything that can be explained, be honest when you can't explain, don't automatically assume that anything you can't explain is something Paranormal, let the people with knowledge of these situations examine your findings and give their opinions. They may actually be able to help out with something posing a threat to the property that you or the client isn't aware of. And be proud of these successes whether it was your investigation skills that identified the issue or your contribution from investigating that took your client to seek out the advice of another person, your clients issues were addressed and things worked out to solve the issue.
Also, know your limits, if your going into an Investigation and anyone feels that they aren't prepared or comfortable in being involved, then never push them past their comfort zone. If they say that they feel like they need to step away then let them, send someone with them to watch and make sure that they aren't having a health issue (when we do investigations sometimes we become exposed to things that we might not know are there, and in turn could actually affect someone health wise) It's always best to use caution, someone could be responding to something that might not affect you personally but can have an extreme effect on them. So always keep your team safe. It might mean ending an investigation early but it could also save someone.
We grow up learning everything we do in life by practicing, don't be afraid to practice, do dry run investigations, hold training nights to learn to work together as not only a group but also to get to know your equipment. These simple things can make or break a team, do you know your teammates, are there health issues or concerns that need to be addressed between the team (allergies to bee stings, asthma, etc. In an emergency who do you contact besides the obvious persons) These are all things that need to be known and discussed, come together as a group and designate certain people to be your spokesperson or your acting emergency person. You are a team and need to work together as if you were a Family and alot of times that's basically what you become is a Paranormal Family.
In the end what it all boils down to is that we are all involved in this field for our own reasons, whether it's looking to find answers to questions relating to personal experiences, or seeking information as to what happens to us once we've passed through this stage of our life. If we are opening ourselves up and asking other people to allow us to enter into the homes, then your main goal and intention should be to honestly intend to be helpful. If you feel that investigating their home isn't going to be to try and help find solutions, then maybe investigating people's homes should be put off until you feel that you are ready. Then once your able to move forward you'll be doing it knowing that you are truly ready to take the next step.
Be safe on your journey, be prepared, and never be afraid to ask, as each of us learns we gain knowledge, and sharing the knowledge we've gained helps us all become better Investigators and may lead to finding answers that we may not have found alone. The only dumb questions that exist are the ones you fail to ask. I send you off surrounded by the Light & Love of all the Highest Powers that be.
Tammy R
First and foremost, every team and every Investigator needs to be comfortable in their situation, and be ever cautious of what their intentions are. If your decision is to get involved in Paranormal investigations then it needs to be for the correct reasons. If your doing this for thrills and chills, then honestly your not in it as an Investigator. If your intent is to help people to attempt to explain the events taking place, then there's things you should know.
Investigating the Paranormal is still an unknown adventure, none of us know for certain who or what we are going to encounter when we venture out into the dark places, or even client's homes, so your number one priority is to NEVER go alone always have someone with you and someone who isn't with you but who knows your EXACT whereabouts. (I'll be honest here, with our team we have a non participating member who has our exact location and we also involve Law Enforcement, who know exactly who is present on the investigation and the exact location of where we are.)
Whenever your going to be doing an investigation, whether it's in a private home, a business establishment, a historical site or cemetery (Make sure your NOT TRESSPASSING, GET PERMISSION) Always try to check out the locations in advance. A good rule of thumb is when your doing a private home or business is to do an initial meeting with your client. Take time to sit down and talk, get a feel for the client, find out what their comfort level is, and take time to explain what your planning on doing during the investigation. Also try to get familiar with the site, learn what areas you might have to avoid for safety reasons, or per request of client privacy. If they request that you not enter a certain area during your investigation, then please respect their request.
Also take this time to let the client know what equipment you are planning to use during your investigation, not everyone is open to having people come through the home snapping pictures, running tape recorders and other equipment so let them give you their feedback on what they are and aren't comfortable with. If your team uses Spirit boxes, or other items used for communicating other than voice recorders. Some clients may request that these not be used. (I personally will not use a Ouija Board, or have one present on an investigation) and some clients will view the spirit communication devices as being much like using a board, so be respectful. Let your client be an active participant in choosing what they are okay with.
If you do investigations in private homes or establishments, if your client request to be an active participant on the investigation, then let them be. If you've taken the time to meet prior then maybe you have some equipment that the client would like to use, let them be a part of it. This is actually a good thing, especially if your client is dealing with something that needs to be dealt with from a Paranormal standpoint. If they can be involved in the investigation, and the cleansing, blessing then that gives them more power to combat whatever force may be disturbing them. This is their home and they need to know that they have control, this way they are gaining confidence but aren't doing it alone. And in being involved they are more willing to stand against the activity.
I honestly like having my clients present if at all possible so that they can play an active role in what we are doing. But there are times especially if the clients are being traumatized when they aren't willing to stay, or feel unsafe to attend. Let that be their choice. If you feel that having the client present is not a good idea, or if you feel that they may actually be involved in some type of deception then requesting that they not be present is your choice. Alot of times in these cases they will decide that they will call off the investigation. This is also another reason while doing an initial meeting with the client is beneficial.
Also by doing a meeting you can actually be looking for signs that things may not be quite right, if your interviewing a client and they seem to be showing some signs of deception or something doesn't feel right, listen to that feeling, it may be that there's something telling you that this isn't a safe place, their may be things going on with the client that they aren't sharing or maybe there are other things taking place that you aren't aware of or prepared to deal with. This gives you a chance to poilitely bow out, by saying that although you'd like to be able to help, your unsure if your team is able to. Be polite, never tell a possible client that you feel they need to see a Dr. or that you feel it's in their head.
Unfortunately sometimes Paranormal events can have these effects on a person and if in the case that it is other worldly or Paranormal then saying something wrong can be just as traumatizing as what they are already experiencing. But telling a potential client thst you believe it's some type of mental issue is definately a big "NO, NO". And it can cause alot of harm in some situations. So if your gut is telling you something is off then instead tell them that you feel it may be in their best interest to contact clergy. That way you aren't leaving them upset or insulted and you aren't putting the client or yourself / your team at risk.
If your investigating and the client isn't an active participant during the investigation, still stay in contact with them, this way if something should occur that needs taken care of they are available to ask questions or contact in case of an emergency. If something happens that they haven't mentioned that is a drastic event they need to know and maybe something simular has happened that they forgot to mention. This way they know that your being thorough and still taking their safety in to account and lets them know that you want them to be aware of these events when they return home. If there's a power failure or flicker, if a light burns or blows out let them know. This way they aren't retuning to a dark house, it could be a case of simple weather conditions or it could be something your investigating, but either way it's better that they are aware and can make the call to say they want you to continue the investigation, or they'd like to stop. If they choose to stop it.
If they ask that the investigation be ended then please do, let them know that your team will begin collecting your equipment but that you will wait for their return to leave the location, this way you can speak with them directly and let them know what led up to the event that took place. This way you all understand what happened, how it happened and then it builds trust that your intentions are for their safety. And in turn this will benefit your team if you should be asked for references and if the clients allow you to share their information for that purpose. HOWEVER, always ask before giving out any client information, some clients prefer not to have anyone knowing that they've been involved with an investigation. If they request complete privacy then please follow their request and give NO INFORMATION.
When your investigating a public or historical location, the same rules should apply, take time to go and get to know the layout look for anything that could pose a threat when your investigating. If there are trip or fall hazards, write them down. Take a notebook and draw out the area, mark down broken headstones, tree stumps, underbrush etc. anything that could pose a threat when walking in the dark, and then share the information with your teammates before entering the location at night. This way you are at least somewhat prepared and avoid injuries. It's also a good rule to practice proper dress code for locations, anything baggy or draping can be a potential trip hazard, so proper fitting clothes should be worn.
Dress code with our team is basically optional with a few exceptions, we all need to be comfortable because if we aren't it can and does affect your investigation, make sure you take into consideration what type of weather you may be encountering. You don't want to be in 100 degree weather wearing a sweater and coat, but you don't want to be in 25 degree weather wearing shorts and a tank top. So wear something that fits the weather, if it's warmer then bring along a jacket or pants to switch into or put on if needed, and vise versa. Also a good rule is to always wear shoes, some people are more comfortable wearing flip flops, sandals but in all honesty they aren't always a practical choice, shoes will protect your feet especially when roaming around in areas where they might be hidden objects to trip or step on.
But with all of this being said, the most important thing you can do to be a GOOD Investigator is to ALWAYS BE HONEST. Never fake findings or evidence, if you capture anything that you can't explain share that information with your client and let them know that you can't explain it. Let them know if your not sure whether it's got a Paranormal attachment or if it's something that can be explained but unfortunately something that you aren't able to explain but that someone with knowledge in that area may be able to explain it to them.
Let them know that it's ok to look for answers from other people that can address other events that are taking place in their situation, that way they are getting full disclosure which will help them greatly in coming to terms with whatever is creating the situation. And at the end of the day, it will help everyone, I've had several clients that have contacted me after an investigation who have followed up with properly accredited persons that were able to completely explain the findings we reported, and have been able to fix issues that were actually the cause of certain events that came down to non Paranormal issues.
Your main goal if your intentions are to be a true Investigator should be to honestly be looking for the truest answers, explain anything that can be explained, be honest when you can't explain, don't automatically assume that anything you can't explain is something Paranormal, let the people with knowledge of these situations examine your findings and give their opinions. They may actually be able to help out with something posing a threat to the property that you or the client isn't aware of. And be proud of these successes whether it was your investigation skills that identified the issue or your contribution from investigating that took your client to seek out the advice of another person, your clients issues were addressed and things worked out to solve the issue.
Also, know your limits, if your going into an Investigation and anyone feels that they aren't prepared or comfortable in being involved, then never push them past their comfort zone. If they say that they feel like they need to step away then let them, send someone with them to watch and make sure that they aren't having a health issue (when we do investigations sometimes we become exposed to things that we might not know are there, and in turn could actually affect someone health wise) It's always best to use caution, someone could be responding to something that might not affect you personally but can have an extreme effect on them. So always keep your team safe. It might mean ending an investigation early but it could also save someone.
We grow up learning everything we do in life by practicing, don't be afraid to practice, do dry run investigations, hold training nights to learn to work together as not only a group but also to get to know your equipment. These simple things can make or break a team, do you know your teammates, are there health issues or concerns that need to be addressed between the team (allergies to bee stings, asthma, etc. In an emergency who do you contact besides the obvious persons) These are all things that need to be known and discussed, come together as a group and designate certain people to be your spokesperson or your acting emergency person. You are a team and need to work together as if you were a Family and alot of times that's basically what you become is a Paranormal Family.
In the end what it all boils down to is that we are all involved in this field for our own reasons, whether it's looking to find answers to questions relating to personal experiences, or seeking information as to what happens to us once we've passed through this stage of our life. If we are opening ourselves up and asking other people to allow us to enter into the homes, then your main goal and intention should be to honestly intend to be helpful. If you feel that investigating their home isn't going to be to try and help find solutions, then maybe investigating people's homes should be put off until you feel that you are ready. Then once your able to move forward you'll be doing it knowing that you are truly ready to take the next step.
Be safe on your journey, be prepared, and never be afraid to ask, as each of us learns we gain knowledge, and sharing the knowledge we've gained helps us all become better Investigators and may lead to finding answers that we may not have found alone. The only dumb questions that exist are the ones you fail to ask. I send you off surrounded by the Light & Love of all the Highest Powers that be.
Tammy R
