All investigators performing investigations must be dressed in appropriate attire for both the physical and social environment of the site. This means comfortable, but safe footwear, dark non-reflective clothes and jewelry, and no loose objects such as wallet chains. Please refrain from revealing, torn or ragged attire as you represent not only yourself, but the entire group as well. We also ask that all long hair must be tied back or under a hat so as not to interfere with photographic data. . The onsite team leader makes all decisions concerning the investigation. No matter what, please direct all questions from the media, police and others to the onsite team leader unless the team leader has informed you otherwise prior to the start of the investigation. All investigations must be performed in a courteous and professional manner. All investigators must respect the privacy of the people, families and places we are investigating. All investigators are to respect the site of investigation. No littering at site of investigation. No obscene, foul, or abusive language. No pranks or practical jokes. No handling of objects without owner's permission. No alcoholic beverages during or prior to an investigation. No illegal drugs. If you take prescription medication, please inform your team leader or Director before the investigation begins so as to avoid future complications. Remember, if you break it you have brought it. UK Paranormal can in no way be held responsible for any individual team members breakages.

More Advanced and Experienced

Common Sense Items

When attempting psychic photography you should load the film into the camera about 20 minutes after your arrival to the investigation site, this will show the intention you have and by this recognition draw spirits to you. When taking pictures it is also wise to say flash. The most opportune time for you will be when you have the feeling something is near you or watching you, you will know that feeling.

While photographing at the site you should try to avoid any unnecessary focus points that might have lights, reflective surfaces, poles or any other obstruction that will interfere with evaluation or determination of the photograph and its elements. All photographs should be catalogued with the corresponding negative for archival storage.

If you are more experienced photographer you may want to try infrared film. We have seen results from Polaroid and digital cameras but we suggest you only use these along with a 35 mm camera so you can compare the results. We have used Kodak film primarily but have also used Fuji and a department store brand with similar results. When you develop them you don't need to go to a camera shop, the local drug store or department store is fine. Let them know you want all the pictures developed so that you get the pictures that they might think are bad ones. These "bad ones" are normally your best ectoplasm mist photos.

Video cameras are an important instrument for an investigation. Unlike still cameras they provide us with constant visual and audio surveillance for review and observation. Unfortunately video cameras do not have the success rate of taken psychic photos that a still camera had, but it still had its advantages. With video any phenomena occurring can be documented in its entirety. This will show the length of time the phenomena occurs, what is happening, the conditions surrounding the phenomena, and possibly even the cause of the phenomena.

When setting up the video camera place it in an area that has an unobstructed view of the whole area being investigated but not in the way of the investigators, an entrance, or an exit. When videoing state the location, time, investigators names, and weather conditions. It is extremely important to state any obstruction in the focus point of the video camera that may be perceived during review as an anomaly, such as a light source for example. Do not use any external light source when videoing. Most video cameras are low lux or have a night shot setting on them, if so, use that setting. When reviewing the tape, be sure to mark down all the times a phenomenon occurs.

Tape recorders are with out a doubt one of the most important pieces of equipment that you should have in you investigators toolbox. Tape recorders are used for many different purposes throughout an investigation. Recorders are used for interviews, spontaneous thoughts, and electronic voice phenomena (EVP).

When using tape recorders be sure to state the location, time of investigation, and investigators names. When recording investigators names it would be wise to have each individual present state their own names, which will make it easier for distinction amongst voices heard on the tape during review. Voice activation mode should be deactivated during use when electronic voice phenomena is trying to be achieved due to the fact that it usually cuts off beginnings of words, sentences, and phrases. If the recorder comes equipped with a tape counter record the locations on the tape where any audible phenomena is being heard during review.

The Electromagnetic Field Detector, also known as an EMF, is the modern day ghost researcher's tracking device, a very important piece of equipment. With this instrument it is possible to locate and track energy sources.

Before using the EMF as a ghost research tool on an investigation be sure to walk around the area and take readings around energy sources such as light poles or electrical outlets to be sure of the readings you receive while scanning the area during the investigation

When using the EMF as a tracking device look for fluctuations of 2.0 to 7.0, this usually indicates possible spirit presence. Anything higher or lower is normally has a natural source.

Parabolic microphones are an advantage to have when ghost hunting. These microphones amplify sounds that are a great distance away or below your range of hearing. When used with a tape recorder this will increase the chances of recording electronic voice phenomena.

Thermometers are an inexpensive instrument that no ghost hunter should be without. When used on an investigation this will aid as a detection system for spirit presence. Rapid temperature drop will indicate possible spirit presence.

The compass is a useful instrument to an investigator due to its compact size and low cost price. When used on an investigation this will indicate possible spirit presence when the needle cannot come to a precise heading or spins/moves erratically.

Motion Detectors can be used to sense movements by often-unseen forces or spirits. You can get battery operated ones and they are great for inside but we have seen them used successfully outdoors as well, just watch the placement. You don't want a tree branch setting it off.

2-way radios are a good communication system for an investigation team. Often the investigators tend to split up and this will allow quick and clear communication to avoid searching and yelling.

Flashlights are a must for any investigator. In most investigations this will be the only light source you will have. When using the flashlight, if possible, the investigator should have a red filter fitted to the lens. This will still provide clear vision but tint the light keeping your presence unknown to deter detection from the public.

The serious ghost researcher knows that the most valuable tool for their investigators toolbox is plenty of extras. The toolbox should include extra batteries, extra flashlight bulbs, extra tapes, extra film, etc.

When on an investigation you want to be well prepared. You do not want to have that once in a lifetime opportunity such as a full body apparition to float on by because your batteries were drained or you did not have enough film. In this field there is never enough when it comes to equipment. Remember to bring spare batteries for everything, batteries often run down very fast.

1. Every member must keep a log of events/times or call them into the central logger- everything needs to be logged, not matter how trivial. You sneeze, log it in, it may have sounded like something else to another member elsewhere in the building.
2. EVP recording should be done in the "background". This means no questions posed toward the spirits while the clients are present.
3. Psychic/Sensitive detectives - Log everything (events, feelings, etc) in notes or on tape. Do not state observations out loud if the client is present unless directed before hand by the on lead investigator/team leader.
4. Reports must be turned in by each member that attended the investigation within one week. We do this so that a formal report for the client can be given to them within 30 days of an investigation.
5. No conclusions, judgments, etc. of events and/or the property should be made in front of the clients.
6. Whenever possible the area to be investigated should be kept free of personnel that are not part of the investigation team.

1st hour on scene

1. Any witnesses that have not been interviewed before should be interviewed by 2 members (and taped/videoed if it's ok with the witness.) Use the official witness questionnaire.
2. All members and clients if possible, walk through the location. One members map location noting: air vents, heater, electrical appliances, fuse boxes, computer, etc. One member should take 5-10 test photos during the walk through.

2nd hour on scene

Load remaining film and tapes. Begin surveillance as directed by your team leader. We will try to rotate positions as often as time allows. Do not leave a post unless directed by a team leader or director. Always stay with a partner. If you find it necessary to use the toilet or leave your location for any reason inform your team leader and make sure it is placed on the log. Take someone with you.

Wrap up

Make no conclusions. Share no conclusions or opinions with clients. All the reports, photos and tapes must be reviewed before we can make any conclusion. Lead investigator/team leader may alter these protocols if necessary.

UK Paranormal Reports and Logs

Each member of an investigation team must fill out a report. Even if there is a central logger, you are still required to fill out a report. You must return the report via email within one week of the investigation.

The Difference between a ghost hunt and an investigation

Many other organizations believe a ghost hunt and an investigation are the same thing, but UK Paranormal does not support that view. UK Paranormal feels ghost hunting and investigating are two separate elements, which are a part of a series of phases within the research process to perform a successful case.

The first phase of any case that you will perform is research, as much information about the location and history of any venue should be gathered prior to any vigil taking place. Any witnesses should be interviewed where possible before the night set out for the vigil. A through log of locations within a building where activity has been witnessed along with the type and duration of said activity should be taken and noted.

The next phase is the vigil itself. Within this step you are going to try to find enough evidence that will support the theory of an active haunting and the need for further research.

Phase three is the reviewing of all video, photographic and audio evidence gathered on the night. Whenever a clairvoyant has been included in the investigation all material supplied by them should also be reviewed at this time.

If after reviewing the evidence gathered the decision has been made to research further then you have now entered the phase four of the investigation. During this phase all information should be researched where possible in county archives and libraries, the internet is also of course a good source of information. Any names supplied by clairvoyants should be tracked down where possible though birth marriage and death records, or parish records. If any possible crimes have been reported by the clairvoyant it may be possible to check these in historical records or even with local police forces.

Before the Investigation

Check out the area in daylight so you are familiar with the area. Look for dangerous places and obstacles that you will not be able to see in the dark.

More Helpful Hints and UK Paranormal Guidelines for an Investigation

Make sure you bring you ID. (Drivers license, etc.) So if the police question you, you can prove who you are.

Never go alone. This is just common sense. If you get hurt, who will get help? A minimum team of three is recommended. It should also be noted that one person witnessing an event can easily be called a liar, three people witnessing the same event however carries much more weight.

You need to write and log in everything that happens. If you don't then you really don't have much research information. An example of this is one investigator gets an EMF reading that's high and never writes it down. Another investigator takes a picture of the same area but is not aware of the reading and gets an anomalous image. Without that EMF reading the picture may be good evidence, but with a report noting the reading, the picture greatly increases in evidence value. Many investigators use a pocket tape recorder in stead and that is fine; just make sure you have spare batteries and tapes. If you sneeze, log it in; it may have sounded like something else to another member elsewhere in the building.

Make no conclusions. Share no conclusions or opinions with the witnesses or owners until all the reports, photos and tapes are reviewed. You need to see the evidence and correlate it before you can give an educated opinion.

If it is raining, snowing or foggy and you are scheduled to do an out door ghost hunt, reschedule it. You cannot conduct a proper investigation in these conditions.

Keep an open mind; any negative feelings may drive the spirits away. Be respectful of the locations and the dead.

Be skeptical; look for causes for any phenomenon such as natural or man-made causes. As an investigator you have to make sure your final evidence will stand up to scrutiny. By eliminating all other explanations, your evidence becomes stronger proof.

No smoking, alcohol or drugs at an investigation for mostly obvious reasons.

No whispering, it can taint your recording results.

Do not wear perfume, cologne or anything else with a very noticeable scent. This is so someone does not mistake the smell for a supernatural occurrence. Spirits often use scents and smells to get our attention.

Make sure you let someone know where you will be so they will know in case of emergency.

More Guidelines for Outdoor Investigations

1. Have everyone meet near the location and decide who will work each piece of equipment and divide into teams if necessary. Do not load film or tapes yet.
2. Enter the site and either privately or as a group ask for blessing or protection for the duration of the hunt. I do encourage everyone to take the 10 seconds this takes and do this. What can it hurt? It's better to be safe than sorry. Many experienced groups believe that there are evil spirits in many areas such as cemeteries and by saying a 10 second prayer you can safely go about your business without worrying about them. An experienced demonologist will tell you that by doing this in the name of God or whatever good deity you worship, you will keep any non-human spirits at bay since they have to leave you alone when told so in this manner. You will not provoke an attack by doing this and I say it's just as simple as saying your prayers at night. Simply keeping a positive frame of mind will also work well.
3. Walk around the area to get a feel for the surroundings and allow the spirits to get a feel for you. Do this for about 20 minutes. Log in your start time and weather conditions and any other relevant information. You can also begin to set up any stationary equipment like camera on tripods or motion detectors. Make note of any areas that may cause you to get false readings or false positive pictures.
4. Now you can open all your film and tapes and load the cameras and recorders. Now go out there and get some pictures and recordings. Be sure to note anything unusual that happens especially meter and temperature readings, visual sightings and strange sounds. Also make notes of any feelings or emotions you feel that may be odd or out of place. You can compare notes after the vigil and look for similarities in readings and feeling in certain areas or at certain times.
5. Whether you stake out a spot or you walk around try to give everyone the opportunity to try everything and be everywhere. This keeps every one fresh and at attention. Rotate a few times during the investigation.
6. When you are done have everyone meet in one spot and ask the human spirits here not to follow you home and to remain here. Tell the others they must remain here in the name of God (or other good deities). Again this takes 4 seconds, it's simple and it can save you some problems down the road. If we are wrong about these prayers at the beginning and end of the hunt and they are not necessary then you wasted 14 seconds of your time. If we are right about them, you saved yourself from allot of problems and grief.

UK Paranormal Photography Guidelines

Open your film and load your camera after walking around the location for about 20 minutes first.

Use at least 400-speed 35 mm films. 400 and 800 speeds work the best. 1000 speed film develops too grainy and I would avoid using it although many investigators do have success with it. Black and White film also works well. If you are an experienced photographer, you may want to try infrared film, which also has had excellent results in the past.

Make sure you note any other lights in the area so when you view your developed pictures you will not think a streetlight is an orb.

Make sure you clean your camera's lens regularly.

No smoking at the location, this can appear like mist on the photos so you don't want to contaminate your evidence.

Watch for dust or dirt being stirred up in the area you are photographing. They can give false positive pictures.

All long hair should be tied back or under a hat, again this is to eliminate any false positive pictures and to give the skeptics less ammunition.

Remove or tie up any camera straps so you don't take a picture of that, it looks like a vortex when photographed. Watch for reflective surfaces and make notes of them. The flash reflected off shiny surfaces such as windows, polished tombstones, etc. could look like an orb or other anomaly. Make note of streetlights and any other light source that may appear on the film.

Let fellow investigators know when you are taking a photo so that you don't get double flashes. If you think you have a double flash photo (35mm cameras only) or any other false positive, log the picture number so you can exclude that photo from the batch when they are developed.

In cold weather be conscious of your breath so you don't photograph that, it'll look like ectoplasm mist. If you think you may have, log that picture number and discard it when you develop the pictures.

Many people like to ask the spirit if they can take their picture, it can't hurt.

Take pictures anywhere and everywhere. If you feel some thing or someone else does, take a picture. Did you think you saw something, take a picture.

You may only get about 1- 2 pictures for every 50 you take, that's about the average, so don't get discouraged. We've been at sites where we didn't get any and others where 30% of the ones we took were positive.

Don't pay for fancy developing, you can get them developed anywhere. Just let them developers know to process and print every photo.

We will need copies of any positive 35mm photos for our reports and files so you may want to get double prints.

UK Paranormal Video and Audio Recording Guidelines

Load the tapes when you are loading the film so you've given any spirits in the area a chance to get used to you.

You can set up stationary recorders and just let them run or you can walk around with them.

During audio recording, ask questions whether general ones or one specific to a certain spirit. You can find a few ideas of question on or near the gravestones (i.e. how did you die, ask who left flowers, etc.)

Make sure you view or listen to the whole tape. EVP's are usually not heard at the time of recording but are heard only after the tape is reviewed.

Review notes where you should have recorded any normal sounds as well as unexplained ones (dogs barking, cars, etc.) This way you can tell what a sound is that wasn't heard by you at the time but is now on the tape.

Final Note

Keep in mind that many of the people who will request an investigation will want to be comforted, educated and they may even want the spirits to leave. Whatever your approach or beliefs, be prepared for this and if you are not willing or cannot help the people in the way they would like, at least provide them with names of people who may help them. Also try to educate them so they understand what is occurring. After explaining what is happening to a witness, many will no longer be frightened or as concerned and you will have done them a great service.

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