Witness Interview

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It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult undertaking which, more than anything else, will determine its successful outcome.
- William James

The Real Q & A

This is a key part in any investigation. Without a witness seeing an event how would we know if it really happened? This part of the investigation should be done before or at the beginning of the an on-site investigation.

It is a good idea to have two people involved with the interview. It is also wise to record each witness with audio and/or video. This is so you can review their statement at a later date without confusion. While you are interviewing the witness keep an ear out for inconstancies in their story. Does it change when they talk about it? Try to interview each witness separately. This will keep the stories pure. Some other things to keep in mind:

Check all of the details of the event with the witness.
Have the witness show you the location where the events happened. Have them describe what they saw and where they saw it.

Below is are some of the questions we've used during interviews, feel free to use to create your or refine your own interview process. The following questions will help us to get a good picture of the actual goings-on in the location.

Please list the names and ages of all those living in the location where the disturbances have taken place.
- What are the occupations of those in the location.
- How long have you lived/worked at the location?
- Are there any pets at the location?
Please give a general description of the occurrences. Describe the disturbance in terms of what you actually saw or heard.
- When did the current disturbances begin?
  - What sort of things went on at the beginning?
  - Would you say the occurrences are frequent?
  - Are they occurring with any apparent regularity?
  - When was the most recent incident?
- What did you think of them?
- Where have the occurrences taken place?
- Who are the people directly involved?
- Were there any unusual feelings or emotions associated with the disturbances?
In terms of movement of objects, describe the movements and what were unusual about them.
- Did they seem to take flight or visibly move by themselves?
  - Did they have an unusual flight pattern? (i.e. did they look like someone had thrown or pushed them, or did they make unusual curves in the air or surface)
  - Has anyone seen the object start its motion?
- Have you noticed any metal objects that have been affected?
- Have there been any unusual electrically related effects?
  - Have any appliances, TVs, stereos, lights, or computers been affected?
Describe any unusual sounds and why you think that they are unusual.
- Have the sounds been connected in any way with the disturbance?
Have there been instances where one or more persons saw a ghost? If yes, please describe what was seen.
- If there is a ghost seen, does the ghost represent anyone identifiable?
- If nothing is seen, yet you are sure there is something there, what makes you sure?
- Who has been around in each instance of the ghost being seen?
Have voices been heard, either with or without the appearance of a ghost?
- Were attempts made to see if the voices had a living or mechanical source?
Have any unusual smells been noticed?
- What was unusual about them?
- Have they appeared only in certain areas?
- Have the smells been localized or mobile?
Has the temperature of the location been affected?
Have there been times when events have been experience by only some of the people and not by others at the same time?
Have the images been associated with particular people or a particular event?
- Are certain people seemingly more affected then others?

What reactions do the people in the situation have when confronted by one of the events?

Were these images connected with the past or with the present?
Could any of the events be connected with persons not present? (Living or dead)
- Or can they be connected with the house of the building past or present?
In the case of a ghost seen, did everyone who saw something see the exact same thing?
- Were there the kinds of differences one would see if the ghost had been a living person the in the flesh? (In other words, if one person stood in front of where the ghost appeared, and another behind it, did they see it from the proper perspective (front and back)?
- Describe the behavior of the ghost(s). Does the ghost repeat the same activity every time it appears, or does it seem as if it is aware of your presence as well?
- Is there attempted communication on the part of the ghost?
- Have you or anyone else who has experienced the ghost tried to communicate with it? Any results?
How did you feel before, during and after the experiences?
What was your mood prior to the encounter?
- What was your state of mind? How were you feeling physically? In effect had you just been having an arguement, laughing or recovering from an illness?
- What activity were you involved in?
Did you discuss the experiences with anyone just after it happened? Describe the discussions.
- Do you believe that ghosts and other paranormal entities exist?
- Did you believe in them before your encounter?
- Does your family believe in the existence of ghosts?
Are you actively involved in a church or a religion?
- Do you believe that angels have contact with people on earth?
Did you believe this location was haunted before your experiences?
Has a member of your family recently died?
Have you ever used an ouija board?
- If yes, have you ever used the board in this location? And please tell in detail what happened.
Was there a sensation of touch? If so, please describe it.
How would you describe your encounter?
- Did you sense that you were being watched?
- Did you sense a presence close by?
How would you describe the visual phenomena?
- Was it a shadow or a light?
- Was it a recognizable form?
How would you describe the phenomena in general?
What were the weather conditions at the time of the event?
Did you have any dreams that might have some bearing on the haunting? If yes, please describe in detail.
Are there certain times of the day or night when the incidents appear to be more frequent?
Do you see the events as representing any emotions or tensions that you or others may have at the moment?
Have there been any changes in the daily routine/lives or behavior of the people involved. If so, what are they? When did they happen in relation to the events?
Do you see the way the disturbances/experiences are happening as being symbolic of anyone’s emotional state or thought processes?
Are there any visible problems between the people having the experiences and anyone else?
Is anyone particularly tense or frustrated or under some stress?
Are the events perhaps symbolic of any problems that may be going on between people in the affected group?
How would you say your overall health was before the experience began?
How would you say your overall health has been since the disturbance started?
Are you taking any medication? If so, what are they?
Are you drinking any alcohol or using any types of drugs?
Are you or any of the others currently under the care of a doctor or psychological counselor or therapist?
Do you practice yoga, meditation, self-hypnosis, biofeedback, relaxation exercises, or physical exercises?