Main Line Paranormal Investigators

Investigative Methodology

Approach

When a potential client contacts our group via the client application form, we convene as a group to discuss our course of action. If we agree as a group that this is a viable investigation, we contact the client with some follow-up questions and set a time/date for an interview. At that time, we present permission/release forms for the client to sign. We then do a quick analysis of the site's layout and basic environmental conditions. Lines of communication with the client remain open and any concerns or special requests are addressed before the formal investigation.

Research

Any records pertaining to the investigation are researched before and after the formal client interview. Good sources of historical data include: newspaper articles, encyclopedias, historical compilations, historical maps, online databases, etc. After all pertinent available information is collected, we attempt to find any correlation between claimed activity and historical record. If follow-up interviews or research is necessary to gain a more complete comprehension, we will continue this research process. We do not feel that prior knowledge of a given site will adversely influence our assessment of reported paranormal activity. If anything, it will provide context for any evidence collected.

Preparation

The initial research, formal interview, enviornmental conditions and follow-up research will give us an excellent grasp on how to conduct the investigation. Doing an initial walk-through on the day of the investigation is invaluable to familiarize everyone with their surroundings. Possible contaminates are identified and areas selected for passive equipment placement. Passive equipment may include: video cameras, digital voice recorders, motion detectors or stationary cameras. The investigative team will divide into groups of two members and may alternate during the course of an investigation. Each team is assigned equipment - handheld communicators and an activity log. It is the responsibility of each member to note personal experiences and/or unusual anomalies.

Investigation

The investigative team will meet prior to the formal investigation to review itinerary, responsibilities and procedures. All equipment is checked for proper calibration and adequate battery life. Each group is given additional batteries and battery testers for their equipment. After some final words of encouragement, the team arrives on-site and meets with the client. After a brief Q&A, the investigation begins. Each team is given a base-line testing log and assigned to specific areas. Base-line testing denotes the measurement of ambient electro-magnetic fields, temperature and relative humidity. In addition, any contaminates are logged and neutralized. Each team then sets up passive recording equipment in their assigned areas. Once everything is properly placed, the active investigation begins. During the course of the investigation, investigators are encouraged to communicate only when necessary as this can corrupt evidence collection. Some of our investigative techniques include: EVP sessions, environmental readings, photo/video analysis or a combination of all three. At the close of every investigation, we pack up all equipment and return everything back to its previously, untouched state. We then arrange a time/date to review evidence with the client.

Analysis

Each investigator is given a master copy of both base-line testing and activity logs before analysis of evidence can commence. Teams are responsible for data they themselves did not collect. This ensures some measure of control during this process. Also, aforementioned logs are utilized to correlate data with personal experiences or environmental anomalies. While a full analysis of audio and video is quite time consuming, members may analyze data independently or remotely. Evidence analysis will not be rushed, nor forced. If anomalies are captured or recorded, all team members will review this evidence. Once a consensus is reached, the findings are set aside for further review.

Final Review

The team will further analyze evidence and attempt to assign it a natural explaination. A team member may revisit the site to test current theories. Usually, an additional trip is not warranted due to the scope of research prior to the investigation. If the event or anomaly cannot be duplicated or explained naturally, it will be presented to the client as evidence of the paranormal; after which, it is filed and posted on our site.

Presentation

Two representatives from the team will come to summarize the entire investigation. This summary includes: equipment used, procedures utilized and personal experiences shared. A brief historical record of the site is then offered, with specific reference to claimed activity, if available. The reviewed evidence is then presented. The client has time for reflection, then propose any questions or concerns they may have. We do not categorize paranormal activity without concrete evidence and also allow the client to draw their own conclusions. At this point, the investigation is closed.

Equipment Usage
EMF Detector EMF base-line testing consists of an x/y axis sweep of the detector's probe. Single axis detectors measure only in one direction, while tri axis detectors measure in three dimensions. After base-line readings are recorded, and contaminates neutralized, any free-floating temporal EMF spike could be attributed to paranormal activity.
Digital Recorder Digital voice recorders are placed in an area to passively or actively record EVP. EVP stands for Electronic Voice Phenomenon. Any noise or voice not attributable to investigators or the natural environment is classified as EVP. Passive recording techniques involve placing a recorder in a localized "hot-spot" and leaving; while active recording depends on the investigator's interaction. Examples of active recording methods: conversing, sympathizing, questioning, provoking, etc. Audio analysis is extremely methodical and tedious but produces some of the best evidence of paranormal activity.
Digital Camera Digital cameras process photons into electronic data (bits) and then convert this raw information into a viewable image. It is important to have an ample light source, stationary camera and near static environment to ensure the best conditions. Photographic stills are usually not good evidence because of all the environmental and calibration variances. In any case, photographic anomalies include: orbs, mists, shadows, apparitions, etc. Reflective surfaces and back-light can create false positives or digital artifacts. Proper discernment of evidence is paramount. It is a good practice to take a rapid succession of photos at the same angle to determine any unusual change in the environment. Various illuminators and/or filters can add to the functionality of these devices.
Digital Video Camera Digital video cameras capture what streaming videos and record the most compelling of all evidence simply because they can show change over time in the context of the surrounding environment. Video anomalies include: orbs, mists, shadows, apparitions, etc. Reflective surfaces and back-light can create false positives or digital artifacts. Various illuminators and/or filters can add to the functionality of these devices.
Digital Thermometer Digital thermometers have a give range and deviation. There are directional and multi positional detectors. Directional detectors are commonplace; while, multi positional detectors are rare. Temperature variances are measured against the base-line and free-floating cold spots are examined.

Investigative Methodology

Equipment Usage