Below are the Protocols and Procedures that are followed by each member of PIRA. These have been developed over several years of investigating cases of paranormal activity. They have been discussed and improved by all of our members. It may not be what every group out there does, but for us...it works. In time some of these guidelines may change a bit or become something entirely new. This reflects the constant work that we and other organization do to further the knowledge and research into paranormal activity. Each investigation gives us new ideas and no matter how small or seemingly insignificant that new idea may be, it still effects they way we do what we do. So, read on my friend!

Procedures

      Our investigations consist of six steps;

                1- Preliminary (Informal) Investigation
                2- Group Evaluation
                3- Full (Formal) Investigation
                4- Evidence Review
                5- Presentation of Evidence
                6- Posting of Evidence

      Preliminary Investigation- The first step in our investigations is done by a small (Scouting) group, usually 2 to 3 member, to determine if a full investigation would be the best choice. Interviews, which may be videotaped, will be conducted with the owners/operators, as well as any witnesses. Historical information is gathered as well as accounts of paranormal activity. Reference photos will be taken at this time to determine "hazard" areas (ie. multiple reflective surfaces and mirrors, high EMF areas, etc.) The members will explain our equipment and usage, procedures and answer any questions presented to them. Being an informal investigation, it allows the investigators and owners/operators to get to know each other before we come in with a big group of people and start wandering around your house or place of business. A deadline ( excuse the pun) will be set to notify the owners/operators if and when a full investigation will be scheduled. The preliminary investigation may last up to two hours.

      Group Evaluation- Step two is a meeting of all the members who would be participating in the investigation. Everyone will listen to "Scouts" description on the preliminary investigation, look at the reference photos and hear the interviews. From there, we'll decide if a full investigation is needed. The owners/operators will be notified either way. In the case that we do not see the need for a formal investigation, then the reasons why will be explained.

      Full Investigation- This will include as many members as can be safely and efficiently do the investigation. A house is not a good place to shove in 20 investigators and the owners. The job just can't be done right. So the number of members will reflect the amount of space that needs to be covered. This may include having a joint investigation with another paranormal group if the place is rather large. Investigators will break up into teams and cover as much area as time permits. Investigators will document any and all experiences during the investigation for review and comparison later. During this time, investigators will use various pieces of equipment in all areas that we are permitted.

      Evidence Review- After all is said and done, we really get down to work. Don't be alarmed, but this step may take a little time. All of the evidence collected (Photographs, audio, video, personal experiences, etc.) now has to be reviewed. This means that if we took 2 hours of video, then we need to sit and watch 2 hours of video. This doesn't include stopping and rewinding, then watching again in slow motion to be certain if we saw something. Basically, a 2 hour video can turn into 3 or 4 hours of watching. Audio recording are the same deal. Pictures sometimes need a few days for developing. All of that and our day jobs!? So we ask that you please be patient. We will review all of the material and have any positive results looked over by at least two other members before declaring anything unexplained.

      Presentation of Evidence- All the evidence, and I mean the good as well as the bad, will be presented to the owners/operators. At this time, we will discuss any restrictions that they may have concerning the posting of the evidence to the website. We will also determine if the history of the property should be researched to identify possible causes of the activity. This means find out who the ghosts are.

      Posting of Evidence- All evidence, good and bad, will be posted to the website. The restrictions set forth by the owners/operators will be honored. Written accounts will be posted in an entertainment format, with the full reports kept on file at the PIRA office. The best pictures of positive and negative results will be posted. Audio will be posted if we get a clear understandable EVP. Videos will be stored in the PIRA office and will not be posted. Let's face it, any video clip I've seen usually looks crappy when viewed on the web, besides it takes up a lot of space.

Protocols

      Although PIRA seems like a relatively new group, it is led by members who have been investigating claims of paranormal activity for many years. We follow many of the same guidelines as other professional groups. These have been tested over and over and OVER again. We helped develop many of these guidelines as we learned "on-the-job."

• We always get permission to be on a property. If there are no signs, such as "No Trespassing" or "Keep Out" then it fair game. If we happen to find a sign while already on the property, the investigation is over. We immediately pack up and leave.

• We always carry proper ID. Proper ID is a license and/or some kind of picture identification

• We always check out an area before-hand. This is either through a preliminary investigation or a simple walk-through at a cemetery.

• We always treat the owners/operators and their property with respect, as if it were our own. We will conduct ourselves in a professional manner during the investigation. We do want to be there and come back, so we want to keep you happy!

• Interviews will be conducted during the Preliminary Investigation and at the Presentation of Evidence steps.

• All equipment is check prior to leaving for the investigation, as well as when we arrive at the location. This means we have plenty of fresh or charged batteries on hand.

• Camera straps are removed or wrapped tightly around the hand and/or wrist. Although I am aware of what a strap can do when it gets in front of the lens, I am also aware of how much some of these cameras cost. The possibility of dropping one's camera is very high, especially when we're walking around dark cemeteries or unfamiliar ground.

• Long hair is tied back or kept under a hat.

• No perfumes or colognes are worn during investigations.

• Photos and/or video taken in cold weather are done with our breathing in mind. We take steps to ensure we don't snap a nice picture of our frozen breath

• We do not conduct outside investigations during bad weather. This includes snow, rain, fog and during heat waves.

• Photographs are not taken indoors if there is an obvious problem with dust. If we can see it in the viewfinder, so can the camera.

• Camera lenses are cleaned only at the beginning of a new roll of film or disc.

• No whispering is permitted during recording sessions.

• During these same recording sessions, make note of any external, natural noises. These include trains passing by, motor vehicle, planes, dogs barking, etc.

• Analog recorders must make use of an external microphone to eliminate noise from the recorders internal gears.

• Reflected surfaces are noted and avoided to the best of the investigators ability. We all know that they sometimes just get in the picture anyway!

• All investigators are broken up into teams of at least two each. This is for safety as well as having another person to witness an experience.

• Evidence is not discussed with owners/operators until the members can evaluate it first. We don't want to jump the gun, so to speak.

• No Smoking is tolerated during any investigation. If the investigation is going to be exceptionally long or an overnighter, then a designated smoking area will be assigned and the investigation will break until at least ten minutes after the cigarette has been extinguished. This allows time for the smoke to totally disappears.

• No Drugs or alcohol is permitted before, during or after an investigation. This is just common sense.

• During any private home investigation, we ask that only two people (the owners) be present. Any more then that can and will cause a disruption with our investigation.

• We do not take pictures of moving objects or from moving objects. This causes a blurring effect on everything and renders the photo useless

• Keep the fingers away from the lens. Index finger and thumb in "C" position with the rest tucked in.

• We check the negatives on any photo with an anomaly.

•  All evidence collected by members of PIRA becomes the property of PIRA and their respected owners.

• All evidence collected form the investigation will be kept on file at the PIRA office and by their respected owners. Your files are kept confidential and are only shared with members of PIRA, with the obvious exception of the evidence posted on the website.

• Photographs are not tampered with. They may be enhanced by lightening the picture for better viewing. Nothing is added, faked or performed. Pictures posted under "Your Photos" are posted in the same manner with the exception that I am basing them off of what I am told by the owner.

• Audio bites (EVPs) have the same deal. No tampering, faking, or staging. Background noise may be removed for better quality.

• The most important guideline we follow...we arrive with an open mind. We arrive with the idea that there may be something going on, but we also know that it could have a totally natural explanation. We will decide for ourselves.

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