One of the suggestions we received for a blog posting was a Do's and Don'ts of an investigation. We thought this was a great way to start so here we go.
First off, let me say these are just our opinions of simple rules for investigating. I feel a lot of these should be common sense and not anything new.
DO: Always be safe. Never put yourself or any member of the team in danger. If for whatever reason you feel uncomfortable or in any kind of dangerous situation, fall back and regroup.
DON'T: Never scream, yell or run away if startled. Instead, calmly tell your group that you need to go back to the command center to collect yourself. If you don't want to admit you are scared (Rob would NEVER admit it though I'd know, oh yes, I'd know), just make an excuse to get back, saying you need to upload pictures, listen to an EVP or get new batteries. Anything but run.
DO: Stay with your group. Always. Even if you think you see or hear something away from your assigned team, make sure they come with you. Anything you experience could be discounted if you are alone. This goes with needing to go back to the command center to check those pictures (see above), get the team to go with you.
DON'T: When doing an investigation, there is no smoking, drinking alcohol or any mind altering substances. Smoke from cigarettes could be mistaken for some form of manifestation. I don't think I need to expand on the drinking and drugs part, do I? I didn't think so.
DO: Make sure to check all equipment before the investigation. This includes making sure batteries are charged the day before, fresh batteries for the non-chargeable equipment, lenses are cleaned and you have everything packed up. There would be nothing worse than getting to the site and you find you are missing that pesky voice recorder. A checklist would be a great way to get ready for an investigation.
DON'T: There should be no horseplay during an investigation. I'm not saying don't have fun, but know the time and place. Respect should be given to the site, the client and any potential spirits still inhabiting the area. Extra respect should be given in locations such as cemeteries, battlefields, hospitals, etc.
DO: Respect your team members, clients and their ideas and theories. Even if you don't agree, listen to what they have to say. You never know, their theory could be right.
DON'T: This is a no brainer, don't lie. This includes not exaggerating what you experienced. Keep to the facts and nothing more.
DO: Log, log, and log some more. Keep notes of things that happen. This includes coughs, sneezes and throat clearing so later during the review, there is no second guessing that noise in the distance. A good idea is to be sure to have a watch so you can record the time for the log for these occurrences.
I think we'll stop with a "DO" for now. Stay tuned for a part 2 in a couple of days. Like I said earlier, these are our opinions of what 'rules' should be for an investigation. OTP, as do most other groups, have a protocol list that is handed out to members to follow. The protocol are basic, easy to follow and common sense rules.
First off, let me say these are just our opinions of simple rules for investigating. I feel a lot of these should be common sense and not anything new.
DO: Always be safe. Never put yourself or any member of the team in danger. If for whatever reason you feel uncomfortable or in any kind of dangerous situation, fall back and regroup.
DON'T: Never scream, yell or run away if startled. Instead, calmly tell your group that you need to go back to the command center to collect yourself. If you don't want to admit you are scared (Rob would NEVER admit it though I'd know, oh yes, I'd know), just make an excuse to get back, saying you need to upload pictures, listen to an EVP or get new batteries. Anything but run.
DO: Stay with your group. Always. Even if you think you see or hear something away from your assigned team, make sure they come with you. Anything you experience could be discounted if you are alone. This goes with needing to go back to the command center to check those pictures (see above), get the team to go with you.
DON'T: When doing an investigation, there is no smoking, drinking alcohol or any mind altering substances. Smoke from cigarettes could be mistaken for some form of manifestation. I don't think I need to expand on the drinking and drugs part, do I? I didn't think so.
DO: Make sure to check all equipment before the investigation. This includes making sure batteries are charged the day before, fresh batteries for the non-chargeable equipment, lenses are cleaned and you have everything packed up. There would be nothing worse than getting to the site and you find you are missing that pesky voice recorder. A checklist would be a great way to get ready for an investigation.
DON'T: There should be no horseplay during an investigation. I'm not saying don't have fun, but know the time and place. Respect should be given to the site, the client and any potential spirits still inhabiting the area. Extra respect should be given in locations such as cemeteries, battlefields, hospitals, etc.
DO: Respect your team members, clients and their ideas and theories. Even if you don't agree, listen to what they have to say. You never know, their theory could be right.
DON'T: This is a no brainer, don't lie. This includes not exaggerating what you experienced. Keep to the facts and nothing more.
DO: Log, log, and log some more. Keep notes of things that happen. This includes coughs, sneezes and throat clearing so later during the review, there is no second guessing that noise in the distance. A good idea is to be sure to have a watch so you can record the time for the log for these occurrences.
I think we'll stop with a "DO" for now. Stay tuned for a part 2 in a couple of days. Like I said earlier, these are our opinions of what 'rules' should be for an investigation. OTP, as do most other groups, have a protocol list that is handed out to members to follow. The protocol are basic, easy to follow and common sense rules.
So with what we have above, what are your thoughts on these? This isn't the complete list (you know, I did mention there is a Part 2 coming soon) but anything you think should be added, please comment below.
Have a great evening!!
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