What Standards and Protocols do you use?

We get our Standards from the International Parapsychology Research Foundation

We find there standards meet ours below is there

1.01 Definition of Standards and Protocol

The Standards and Protocol, hereafter referred to as S&P, is the minimum standard set forth by the IPRF Sanctioning Body as an investigational standard for scientific credibility.

1.02 Standards and Protocol

The following text reflects the official IPRF Sanctioning Body S&P that have been set forth by as an investigational standard for the IPRF organization. This set of operational guidelines is IPRF approved and shall be used as the minimum scientific standard while on any scouting or field investigation. It is recommended by the IPRF sanctioning body these protocols should be stringently followed.

1. All investigators should be of sound physical and mental health.

2. There will be no toleration of discriminatory or disparaging remarks or jokes about color, creed, ethnic background, social status, religious beliefs, etc. according to IPRF Bylaws Section III, Title III, subsection 01. IPRF Bylaws Section III, Title IV, subsection 01 & 03.

3. Regarding respect for investigation sites: All national monuments, battlefields, cemeteries, houses, buildings, private properties, public lands, historic places, etc. shall be treated with due respect to both the living and the deceased. All investigators shall respect the property rights of the individual owners, managers, caretakers and so on regardless of ownership status. This applies to all properties whether it is commercial, private, or governmental.

IPRF Bylaws Section II, Title V, subsection 09. IPRF Bylaws Section III, Title IV, subsection 01 & 03.

4. All forms of tobacco and other similar products are prohibited during periods of investigation. Illegal drug use is strictly prohibited and will result in dismissal from the organization.

5. There are to be no fires, incense, fireworks, or any other products of this nature while on an active investigation site. Although these are prohibited for reasons of a scientific nature they also have the potential to cause serious injury and/or property damage.

IPRF Bylaws Section II, Title V, subsection 14.

6. There will be absolutely no consumption of alcohol either before or during an investigation.

7. All investigations shall be carried out in a scientific manner that would reflect the integrity of the work that is being carried out as well as the proper respect for the places and items that are under active investigation.

IPRF Bylaws Section III, Title V, subsection 02.

8. There are to be no divination devices of any sort while an area is under active investigation. Some of these devices which are prohibited are Ouija boards, tarot cards, scrying mirrors or crystals, or any other device such as this. The only accepted devices are either a pendulum or dowsing rods, as these have scientific value and can be legitimately used in parapsychological operations and investigations.

IPRF Bylaws Section II, Title V, subsection 14.

9. At times, it may be necessary to ask permission to enter into a property or area or to stay after hours. If this is the case you should prepare a Linear Ordinance Authorization Form and submit it to the property owner or manager as far in advance as possible. If the area that is to be investigated is a public property and there are no operating hours posted then it should be assumed that the operating hours are from sunrise to sunset. In most jurisdictions operating hors for public parks is generally sunrise to sunset unless otherwise posted. You should notify and receive permission from the local law enforcement agency before proceeding with your after hours investigation.

Never, under any circumstances trespass on or in any property, area, or building as this may result in imprisonment, fine or both.

10. Never enter a structure such as a condemned building, abandon mine, cavern, or other area that is unsafe or may potentially become unsafe. If there is ever any degree of doubt, don’t risk it.

11. Always work in pairs. Be sure that there are functioning two way radios available for each pair of investigators. Working in pairs is not only a safer way to work but it is also better for credibility if there is someone else there to verify an incident if one were to occur. Also, be sure keep a first aid kit on hand. Make sure that each of your team members are familiar with what is in the first aid kit and what proper the uses of the items are. The first aid kit should be centrally located and readily available to everyone in case of emergency.

12. There will be no running or horseplay at any time during an investigation. This type of behavior does not befit an investigator and it does not give the proper respect to the place or area. It is also disrespectful of the living as well as the deceased. This type of behavior may result in removal from the investigation site.

IPRF Bylaws Section III, Title V, subsection 02.

13. Regarding vandalism: Never deface, damage, or in any other way mutilate any gravesite, monument, item, statue, memorial, building, or other piece of property. This destruction of property may result in fine, imprisonment, or restitution having to be paid. Remember, take only photographs and data and leave only footprints.

IPRF Bylaws Section III, Title IV, subsection 01 & 03. IPRF Bylaws Title III, Section V, subsection 02.

14. Never shoot a photograph when the camera is aimed at the sun or another bright object such as high intensity discharge lighting (such as street lights) as this will result in lens flare and possible create false anomalies.

15. Always use a fresh roll of film that has a valid expiration date on the packaging. Never use any film after it has expired.

16. Develop all film used on an investigation within one (1) week of completing the roll.

17. Take good notes and utilize a notepad to document the film frame, time, place, and any other pertinent information that pertains to the photograph.

18. Do not take photographs from moving vehicles as this will result in blurred images and possible false anomalies.

19. Do not to attempt to shoot photographs through windows or other glass surfaces as this will cause image distortion and possible false anomalies.

20. Do not attempt to take photographs in adverse conditions such as in a snow storm, fog, rain, windy/dusty areas, or anywhere near a fire. These also result in false images which will be discredited.

21. Be sure that all photographic equipment to be used during the investigation is in good working condition and that the lenses are free from scratches, hairs, dust, fingerprints, etc.

22. It is good practice to remove the wrist strap from a camera while performing an investigation. However, if you are not comfortable in doing this, the strap should, at a minimum, be restrained in some way so as not to cause interference while shooting photographs.

23. Avoid photographing shiny, luminous, or highly reflective surfaces, especially when using the flash. Failure to do so will possibly result in false anomalies on the photograph.

24. It is good practice to be sure that all objects such as long hair, loose clothing, jewelry, and so on are well out of the range of the camera lens when shooting photographs. Also, be aware of the position of your fingers in relation to the camera lens and be sure to remove the lens cap.

25. For videography and EVP recordings if you are using cassette type devices you should always use a fresh tape with a valid expiration date on it. If you are utilizing digital equipment you may disregard this warning.

26. During an investigation which will employ videography or EVP it is good practice to state the time, date, location, weather conditions, etc. as well as any other pertinent information that you feel would make a significant contribution to the investigation. On many models of video equipment the time, day, date, etc is available as a digital “stamp” that can be recorded directly onto the images that are being filmed.

27. It is good practice to stay alert and be aware of your environment. Also, make sure that you know the whereabouts of your fellow investigators and crew members. Communication is key.

28. All types of faith based or religious ceremonies, rites, etc. are strictly prohibited.

IPRF Bylaws Section II, Title V, subsection 14.

29. Above all, use common sense while performing an investigation as this is a reflection of you and your degree of professionalism and credibility. It is your name that is on the line when others know what you do and/or see you performing an investigation.

Section V: Investigation Safety

1.01 Investigation Safety

Aside from the standards and protocols, the thought which is of greatest importance is the safety of you and your investigative team. Although most of us who take parapsychology seriously go to great lengths to obtain and document data there is no significant amount of data worth being injured for. It is of utmost importance that you use common sense, discretion, and good personal judgment to assess a situation before proceeding. Although some of these items have been alluded to in the protocols section they will be covered in a more in depth manner here. Below are some guidelines to aid your investigative team in maintaining a safe standard while in the field.

1. It is good practice to always carry a properly equipped and fully supplied first aid kit that is kept in a centrally located area where all investigators and crew members know where it is at. It is also important that team members be familiar with the first aid kit, what is in it, and how to properly use the items that it contains.

2. Always work in teams of at least two and carry short range communication devices such as two way radios. Always indicate your position to others in the group so that if an accident does occur they will know your approximate whereabouts.

3. Never perform an investigation in inclement weather such as snow storms, high winds, thunder storms, or other natural events such as this. Also crews should not attempt to investigate areas where the stability or structural integrity of that place becomes questionable. When investigating old buildings, mines, caverns, and places such as these investigators should be especially careful due to structural or stability concerns.

4. Be aware of your surroundings. As most investigations take place at night it is a good tip to be continually aware of your surroundings, especially when working in an outdoor environment.

5. Be sure that all battery powered equipment such as flashlights and communication devices have fresh batteries in them and that extra bulbs are on hand in they are needed.

6. Establish a central meeting place in case someone gets separated from the group. Certain time parameters should be established as to when the investigation will begin and end.

7. If there are posted warning signs in the area of the investigation, they are there for a reason. It is recommended that all crew members and investigators abide by them.

Revised 02/06

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