Investigation Process Overview

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Ghost Investigations aren't a spectator sport.
- Lori Bogren

Generally speaking the person who contacts the group will be referred to as the "Client." However there is no cost for an investigation if it is within the twin cities 10 county area. Outside of the metro area there is a small fee to cover fuel expenses. An investigation will determine physical and/or psychic evidence of presence at the property.

If you do not want a full fledge investigation several of our members are available for contact, we also know several good mediums in the area. Be aware that for medium only services there may be a charge and the cost will vary as determined by the medium.

An investigation has four phases:

Phase I: Initial Contact

In this phase an investigator is contacted by the client (the term "client" is used as a general description for the person requesting the investigation, as a general rule we do not charge for an investigation) and conducts an initial interview. Depending how contact is made this can be a phone call from an hour or more to the exchange of several emails.

So you've gotten the call. Someone's asking for your help, what do you do? Do you grab your camera and go racing down the street? The answer is NO! One of the most important conversations you will have with the client is the first contact. This is when you will establish the nature of the events, listen to the client, keep an open mind but at the same time, do not jump the gun and say it is a paranormal event.

There are many times that a client thinks they are having a paranormal event, but it turns out that there is something natural is going on. Never make promises that you can't keep and never tell them something that will make them feel scared. Remember that we are here to help them and to reassure them that they are not crazy. Below is an example of what we try to establish on first contact:

Determine over the phone if there could be a normal explanation for their concern.
Try suggesting some non-paranormal events that could explain what's going on and see how they respond.
Ask them to give a general description of the occurrences.
Ask where the occurrences have taken place.
Ask when the current disturbances began.
Ask when the most recent incident was.
Ask them wanted prompted their call.
Ask if there have been changes in the relationships of people since the events began happening.
Ask what they want you to find. Are they curious about a haunting? Do they expect you to make the events stop?
Try to determine if the person is mentally stable. (If this does happen or you feel uncomfortable with this person there is no shame in bowing out gracefully by suggesting they contact someone with more experience in dealing with their type of case.

If afterward you feel that this does require an on-site investigation, then ask the client to keep a journal of the events; noting the times, dates, locations, what happens, the length of the event and any witnesses to the event. This will give you a very good clue on what type of paranormal events are happening, location of the events and time. Once this is done it's now time to assemble your team.

Phase II: Onsite Investigation

In this phase, the team visits the property to gather additional information and evidence. This phase is one of the longest phases. It can last from only a couple of hours up to around eight hours. During this phase we may have to make several trips back to the location to gather either more information, or set up more equipment to gather additional information.

Generally there are four parts to this part of the investigation:

The Technical Members of the group arrive to prep for equipment setup throughout the location. Baseline readings are taken for EMF and temperature. Possible causes or source of some events or noises are investigated and, if necessary, ruled out. Noise levels are checked for EVP interference and some attempts are made. Documentation of the property, such as floor plans, is made. Photographs will be taken both for documenting the site and attempting to gather evidence of possible haunting activity.

The Psychic Members of the group about an hour or so later. The psychic are not provided any information other then the client's name and site address. This helps provides validation for the client when information is revealed about events. They will walk through a location with another member and the client if they choose and try to pick up on any "energy" that is at that location.

The Reveal happens. The psychic will then report their findings and any information that they received. After which the client will confirm and provide any missing information. Together the investigators, psychics and client will determine final equipment placement and action plan., this includes determining if making contact with the ghost is an option. If the client wishes us to remove the ghost from the location we will explain the pros and cons of doing this before any action is taken.

Contact with the Entity or Entities is established if a presence is detected in an attempt to resolve issues hopefully put an end to any disturbing events. This can include crossing the Entity over to the other side.

Phase III: Post Investigation Review of Evidence

In this phase, the investigator will review all the evidence gathered, including audio, video and photos. We will then try to determine if there is any physical evidence of a haunting. Sometimes we may ask the client if we can return to review information discovered in Phase III to gather more information if what we have is inconclusive.

Phase IV: The follow-up

In this phase the Lead Investigator will contact the client and go through our findings from the investigation with them. We will also answer any remaining questions that the client may have at this time.