How Do You Investigate Ghost Phenomena?

Here at the Smoking Gun Research Agency we focus on three aspects of paranormal research: education, study, and on site investigation. When it comes to claims of encounters with ghostly phenomena, the most common question we are asked is how do we investigate these experiences. Most people are familiar with the portrayal of ghost investigations on TV that provides viewers a glance at fancy-looking equipment, unusual sound and images, and more-often-than-not unrealistic drama. As with so many things, real life is not quite “as seen on TV.”

A proper investigation of paranormal claims is (or at least should be) done in a similar fashion to a law enforcement on-scene investigation, since that is a well proven scientific method. At SGRA we have been fortunate throughout the years to have several core Staff Members with a history in investigative fields, and so our handbook, training, and investigation process is actually based upon the techniques used in those areas. When you consider protocols for examining a scene, collecting and documenting possible evidence, even the interviewing of witnesses and the analysis of data, one can easily see the essential similarities between the two. Like a law enforcement investigation, our Field Team may revisit a site several times, different individuals may be brought in for another perspective, and outside experts may be consulted in special areas. Perhaps the most important similarity to law enforcement investigations is that our team does not make a conclusion at the site, we must wait until all data collected can be reviewed and considered in a wider fashion.

The actual investigation of a location begins even before the Field Team arrives. If you think of it as a Crime Scene Investigation team, than the actual investigation begins with the people who would be similar to “first responders” who for our team consist of a Case Manager and a Lead Investigator from our group. These two individuals will conduct an initial interview of the witnesses, and collect some basic information about the location so that they can plan the requirements and focus of the investigation. This information is actually not shared with the rest of the team, and witnesses are often surprised that we don’t share specific information about their experiences. We try as best as possible to come in to each investigation fully impartial, that way if members of our team do feel they have “sensed” or detected anything, we can present it afterwards to the witnesses and they can agree or disagree with it. Unfortunately, one aspect of many paranormal shows is that they often require much information about each location and case far before the show’s cast and crew even arrive. This is done because of the expense in filming and of course for ratings, but knowing everything upfront makes it difficult to judge if investigators are actually picking up on anything, or are simply focusing on what they think the viewers or clients want. But an actual investigation is not as dramatic as it seems.

I’m the first to tell people that if they’re looking for excitement, or worse to be scared, paranormal investigating isn’t for them. In truth conducting an investigation can be quite boring and uneventful. In reality a typical investigation, even of a smaller location, takes from 4 – 6 hours. Out of that time there may be a few minutes of time in which you seem to feel or experience something. But feelings are not enough. The collection of data is what’s most important on an investigation, and that can’t be reviewed on the spot. For example, consider these statistics: If an investigation lasts 4 hours, and typically we use 3 different audio, video, and photographic devices, than the equals 12 hours of audio, 12 hours of video, and hundreds of possible photographs that must be painstakingly examined, not to mention investigation notes. Even we are at a location we seem to notice an unusual image or sound on our audio, we don’t have the proper equipment to review it on site, and must take the time to do so fully. That’s why we have our Research Center. Anyone who claims to able to tell you instantly if there is unusual activity at a location, or show you photos, audio, or video right away, is not providing the proof which requires conducting themselves properly and allowing the needed time for analysis.

After a visit by our Field Team it will take us an average of two weeks to review all the data collected and present our findings. That amount of time is crucial for proper analysis, double-checking, and documentation of our work. During that time we keep in contact with the witnesses to check on facts, address specific questions, and let them know the progress of our examination. Once it’s all done and ready to present, our Case Manager will meet with the witnesses and share the results. This is often the most interesting time for us. As we meet with the client their reactions are always exciting to us. When we present this report, we also suggest possible further actions that could be taken. Often times, if there is activity we will often ask to arrange a return investigation to more closely examine specific areas.

In closing, there are a few key things to keep in mind in regards to paranormal investigation. First, the approach to investigations must be taken very seriously as there are professional techniques for paranormal investigation.  Secondly, investigation results require a great deal of time and attention to analyze, document, and understand, so anyone offering an instant-conclusion is not being honest in the same way a doctor must obtain test results before offering a diagnosis. Any person or group that wants to know all the information up-front is instantly predisposed to claiming similar experiences. And, finally, a proper investigator must be willing to admit when a conclusion can be drawn proving something is not paranormal, or when there is simply not sufficient data to present a paranormal conclusion.

As an open organization, we are always willing to answer questions related to the methods used during investigations, and are glad to provide information to people. Our Research Center, which includes a library of books and materials, is open to the public and we welcome visitors. Several times a month we often host interactive discussions and presentations at our Research Center or at local libraries of community locations where we present the techniques, equipment, and other information about how we investigate claims. And it is important that I mention any information shared with our organization, be it questions, experiences, or investigation requests, is always held in strict confidence.