The Problem with the Paranormal Field.

Here is where I have a problem with the field today and why I have embarked on my new path. 

I am not concerned with the Ghost Hunters out there. Let them have fun, enjoy their hobby and ParaCons, etc. That is just part of the draw of the Entertainment side of the field. 

My concern is the academic side and where the problem (as I see it) lies with those who know there are NO standards in the field to achieve, protocols or methodology to follow and therefore take advantage of that. They can make up their own terminology, gadgets and all kinds of things, tell the public what they choose and the public has no alternative but to listen. 

 Now all that in itself aside, I guess most of it is fine for those who can see through it but many use it to their advantage to impress the naive into thinking that is the way of the field. In doing so they gain followers that do the same turning it into a field of only hobbyists, leaving no real investigating being done. Regardless of what people think this has been going on for over 100 years and by many who people label as pioneers in the field. Many label themselves “investigators” with no education, experience or training, making believe what they do is investigating. Many even hold classes (some for a fee) to teach people about things they really know nothing about. Some make a good living at it too.  These people walk a fine line between entertaining and fraud.

Investigation is an exact science. It can be adapted to anything to include the paranormal and even if the people knew how to investigate they don’t want to take the time. So they do what they do, present everything they think they have but never really find out anything. If only half the people spent time learning the science of investigating this field would be much further along to finding the truth. Then again maybe people don’t really want the truth.

Anyway, I personally think what the field needs is the separation of the entertainment and academic sides of the field. A clear line defined by standards to be followed by the serious people who truly want to separate themselves from the curious ones. I believe there are many things that could be found or at least cleared up.

Unfortunately those on the entertainment side have the majority and power. Many feel threatened by the serious and do everything they can to sabotage any real work by bashing it and of course the naive will follow the popular people, groups or TV celebrities because they think they are the last word. So now you know WHY I am headed down the academic road. 

It will be a lonely road I am certain but a rewarding one just the same.

Paranormal Investigating for the 21st Century

For those who do not know, here is a little about me. In addition to having 40 years experience investigating the Paranormal (this July) both here and abroad, I am also a retired Criminal Investigator for the U.S. Armed Forces. I have held the positions of Crime Scene Processor, Investigator, Evidence Custodian, Chief Investigator both overt and covert. I have also worked for the Juvenile Justice Commission as well as an Undercover Detective for Pinkertons Detective Agency, early in my career. I have worked all types of investigations from larceny to murder with many local, state and federal agencies. I have federal training and formal education in evidence collecting and processing.

I am now retired and am adapting real world investigation process for Paranormal Investigation.

I am maintaining a Facebook page for this as well. I will be adding the writings here and linking them to my Facebook page too.

My goal or desire if you will, is to get the serious minded people to begin using their brains in investigating the paranormal instead of the silly gadgets, TV methods, etc. To use tried and true methods, follow protocols, etc, all in the pursuit of the truth. Regardless of what that truth is or where it may lead us.

So for those interested, get ready to embark on a journey to really investigating and NOT ghost hunting.

How to choose a Paranormal Investigator or Ghost Hunter?

CHOOSING...   

 First lets distinguish one from the other. Now, please, at no time should anyone misinterpret the definitions to mean one is better than the other. This is just to explain the differences as I see it, whether you agree or not.

    The Paranormal investigator is someone who for what ever their reasons,  investigate to determine the truth (not ghosts) behind reported occurrences. They will, or should be meticulous in their investigating techniques and methods. Maybe to the point as seeming to over do it. 

They will document everything even if they don't look like they are at the time they will later. They will never ask you for anything. They may ask you what you want out of the investigation. In short they will or should come off right from the start as professionals. 

    Now a Ghost Hunter is just what it sounds like. Mostly a group of people looking (hunting) for ghosts. The will employ a few gauges or meters and go to cemeteries and places that are generally thought to have ghosts to see what happens, if anything. The ghost hunter usually will relate to their outings as investigations, and they are investigations as they see it. 

Ghost Hunters are usually social groups who get together for a good time doing something they like. The Ghost Hunter also falls into two categories. The curious and the serious. The curious usually are disappointed quickly and give up and do something else. The serious are almost always disappointed but can't shake the feeling of not knowing for sure and eventually may become investigators.

    I would like to set the record straight (as I see it). You can be both and some reputable investigators are. The slight difference is that the serious investigator will Ghost Hunt as a hobby since it relates directly to what they do. I too do it for recreation and practice, since it is a pleasant distraction from the involved investigation. 

    This is why I think both are needed. In a nut shell, the serious investigator is needed for the obvious. The disciplined documentation of reported occurrences. They are the link between the mainstream science (skeptics and the like) and the believers (people having the experiences). The Ghost Hunter is needed, if for no other reason, to do just what they are doing. Going out, finding new places, having fun, spreading the word of what they think, etc. because if history has showed us anything it is that... Although some famous people have taken credit for inventions and findings. It is usually some normal person who stumbled on it by accident but just didn't get the credit. So you see we need everyone.

    

Choosing who you need

 

    Now lets determine which is needed and what to look for when choosing.

    There are literally tens of thousands of people out there that either investigate or hunt. Just browse the internet and you will see. You are looking at one now! Being that there are so many would lead one to believe that it is easy to find a reputable one. NOT SO! If you are serious about your experiences then you may need a serious investigator. If you are not sure or are just trying to find out if there may be something going on then you might need a Ghost Hunter. 

 Which ever your needs, you will need to do your homework on who you want to do it. There are also many out there that just want to play or worse. They don't fall into any of the categories I mentioned and need to be weeded out. Let's start with...

 

The Reputable Investigator?

 

    First, do your research and don’t pick the first one on a list. If they make claims then they should be able to prove them. If their bio claims hundreds of investigations then you may want to look else where. So to if they have been doing this for 20 years and they are in their 30’s you may want to look elsewhere. Embellishing is one thing but some go way to far. If their credentials are extensive then check them or at the minimum ask about them. We see much too often where people claim PhD’s and all kinds of things. Also, if their credibility lies on some certificate or worse, them being on some TV show, then it’s time to move on. 

Also a reputable investigator will never ask to come to your home or place you want investigated first. A reputable investigator will, like you, want to know if you are serious and to see if you really need their services. No serious investigator jumps into any investigation without knowing what they are getting into. In short they too want to make sure you're ok as you want to know they're ok. They will usually only take very general information and never ask for your personal information. (there is no need at this point so don't give it) If someone starts to pry for personal information, discusses payment, etc., you may want to look elsewhere. A serious investigator will suggest a public place (of your choosing) for the initial meeting. If you feel more comfortable with them coming to your home for a first meeting that is up to you at your suggestion but they shouldn’t assist. They will want to meet to get a feel of the situation and establish a quick rapport. This is your opportunity to feel them out too. One important thing as well. If they require no one to be there when they investigate then something is amiss or at the very least it is a sign of immature or an amateur. The main reason is because the person reporting that had the experience may be the catalyst for the incidents and should always be there for the investigation. Remember, you would research a contractor coming to your home and you should a Paranormal Investigator too. At a minimum you should be interviewing each other. 

 

There are NO guarantees

 

    A reputable person will never make any guarantees. They will not tell you they can fix things. An investigator is just what it implies. They are investigating to see if there is a reason for your experience. If during an investigation the investigator changes the terms, asks for payment to continue or cleanse your home etc. You should end the investigation immediately and if the situation warrants it, then notify the authorities. Not everyone out there is honest. It is up to you to make the determination. Hence, the initial suggestion of  meeting at a public place.

 

Reputable investigators don't consult with others as a rule, BUT...

 

    Now before you jump to conclusions. They don't do this as a rule because if they are consulting others then they aren't investigating, the person being consulted is.  If you are aware they are consulting someone else, maybe you should be working with the person they are consulting? Now this isn't to say a good investigator won't ask a fellow investigator some questions or bounce things off them. What I am saying is that you won't know about it. If you do, it shows a lack of confidence in their own abilities or they may be scam artists. Poor ones maybe but scam artists none the less.

 

Reputable investigators don't bring large teams

 

    Ghost Hunters bring a lot of people to cemeteries. Paranormal investigators have small serious teams. A good investigator will suggest 2 to 3 investigators besides themselves depending on the location. A good investigator is not going to bring a bunch of people. (that's only on TV) Besides almost everyone I have had contact with doesn't want a gaggle of people running all over their homes and most homes aren't big enough for that. However, a good investigator (if out of their general area) may contact another reputable organization in the area to let them know they have an investigation and see if they want to send one person to observe. It's just a professional courtesy. Reputable organizations almost always belong to a network where they can make contact with other organizations. One last thing is that a good investigator will suggest a day and night investigation. It is just good sense to (if for no other reason) familiarize yourself with new surroundings in the daylight first for safety reasons. However, the good investigator will make sure they are investigating the reported incidents. If you tell them it happens at 5 pm then their focus should be at 5 pm and not 5 am with the lights out.

 

Everything should be above board

 

    Everything should be put out, gone over at the first meeting. All expectations by both parties. Remember you (for all intents and purposes) are hiring this person. You are in charge. You set the boundaries. If an investigator balks at you setting boundaries. It may be time to look elsewhere. You can always lift boundaries later when you feel comfortable. A reputable investigator knows this. The first meeting will be like an interview for both of you. The good investigator should then suggest a second meeting if you wish to continue. You will then tell them you will get back to them. This may seem like a long process but your ghosts aren't going anywhere and if the investigator is reputable neither are they. Besides you would check out a plumber, carpenter or other persons coming into your home. Why should this be different. It just may need to be approached a little different. If you feel comfortable with the person then let them know and set up that second meeting for specifics. What you are looking for. Where the investigation is to take place, etc.  No need to give a group free reign if the activity is confined to a certain area. Now that it is set, let friends and family know what is going on, when it is to take place and always have at least one person with you when the investigation begins. Just have a friend or relative stay over.

 

Do people charge? If they do, what for?

 

This subject has been a big debate between investigators for some time. Most don't charge but some do. It usually is no reflection on their ability but may be on your decision. Some say reputable investigators don't charge. That is a correct statement in that they may not charge for the investigation or their time. However, some charge for hard copies of the investigation, DVD's or audio tape copies. (this is understandable since they pay for them but they shouldn’t look to make a profit) You have to remember these are real people and don't have a TV show's budget and buy these items out of their own pocket. So don't be offended if they don't give you copies for free. If they are charging you to come into your home to investigate, then you may want to look else where. It is up to you.

 

The Decision

 

That was the easy part. Now you will have to make a decision to whether or not you want to proceed. Ask yourself the normal questions. Who is the best qualified?  Will they do as you ask? (i.e., work around your schedule, etc.) If they are acting like they are in charge at any time? Look elsewhere.

 

NOW!    Is a Paranormal Investigator Overkill?

 

    Each situation is unique. Do you really need a paranormal Investigator or will a Ghost Hunter do? There are many more Ghost Hunters out there and they never charge. If you do enough research on the internet you may be able to do it yourself. Now remember one thing. Ghost Hunters usually belong to a larger club and have many members. Hopefully you can get only a couple of them to come out. Maybe the head ghost hunter and one or two  others. You may also find out what you need to know. You may then decide you will need further investigation. But never, never be disappointed if nothing happens when you are having your investigation. Because unless your experiences are happening 24/7/365. The chances of something happening when being investigated are remote. That is why investigators may suggest several visits at alternating times besides the times reported, etc.

 

Certified Investigators... DON'T be FOOLED!!!

 

This section will most likely make some people mad. Especially those to whom it applies but the facts are here to see in black & white if you put aside your feelings and read it. If you are thin skinned you may want to skip this section.

UNDERSTAND!   I am not saying all certificates are bad. I am saying be careful. 

Don't be influenced or impressed by someone who says they are a Certified Paranormal Investigator.  There is officially NO such thing. No acredited school or instructor grants a Paranormal Investigator's Certificate or license. 

Yes, there are many on the internet and elsewhere that will charge you money for a piece of paper they print on their computer but, it carries NO weight in the acedemic world or Paranormal Community. 

If someone says they are certified, raise an eyebrow and ask where their accreditation is from. Then ask what qualifications their instructor/teacher had to to be able to issue them a certificate.
Any Paranormal Investigator's or Ghost Hunter certification program, may provide a basic background in paranormal research and it may carry a small amount of credibility depending on who you ask. (usually only the ones that received a certificate from them)  That too is only if the organization providing the certificate has any credibility to begin with. I mean think about it. If you can't get legal formal education in the field, how can someone offer a certificate in the field to someone else? 

    I personally would not recommend anyone spend money for a Paranormal Investigators Certificate.  No matter how good the training might seem. Most just use common sense and then tell you you are trained.

    The bottom line is that you can personally, on your own, learn just as much by reading ghost hunting books, doing folklore research, join a group and go ghost hunting yourself. For this all you need is a FREE Library card and some FREE time. Experience is always the better teacher. Remember my saying: There is No Substitute for Experience and No Wisdom without it.,

    If you feel you absolutely need to pay for some training. Then get formal education that is universally recognized? Take college courses in Investigations. OR, go for Private Investigator courses. These will give you recognized education and the discipline in Investigations. Then you can put your education to work towards the paranormal and be able to show legal accredited diplomas that you are qualified to investigate and it will be money well spent.

Here is the difference between them and us to give you a better idea of what I mean.   

We at GhostBreakers are or were real police officers. I have a wall full of diplomas & certificates from 

colleges, the federal government, etc., in Criminal Investigation. We have taken our legally, universally recognized, accredited skills and experience and adapted it to paranormal investigation.  In fact we and others like us may be the only ones who can really call ourselves Paranormal Investigators because of our skill, education and experience. See the difference?  Basically, everyone else would be considered Ghost Hunters if you want to get technical and debate the terms.  Now please don't misinterpret what I have said as a bad thing. Ghost Hunters just lack formal education in investigations. They may however have more experience with the paranormal. I just bring this up to expose the scam artists and non-serious. A dedicated person will not whine over what they are called. It is the ones that insist that they be called Investigator instead of Hunter that I balk at.  Actually for the serious ghost hunter I would like to see them called Paranormalists. That has a nice ring to it.

Ghost Hunting VS Paranormal Investigating… Part #2

 

       I think what most people seem to forget is to, “Keep things simple!” Keeping in mind that if the common belief is true, that spirits were once people. Then this being the case, I would conservatively estimate that 99% of spirits are of normal people. Like Mom & Dad or maybe kindly old Aunt Tilley or Uncle Joe. Although they may be initially confused after death, I don’t believe that they would become any less (or more) intelligent. 

 

First lets start with the majority of sightings and experiences. Most all occur within daylight hours or at night with lights on. So the basics I speak of in keeping things simple, is paramount when looking. I mean, why look for ghosts in places that they were never experienced? Why look for a spirit in a place (as a living human) they didn’t want to be or were trying to leave. Logically it doesn’t make sense for an intelligent spirit to occupy these places when they may go where they please. I have found no evidence of spirits being forced to stay anywhere. 

If they were normal people then in all likelyhood they would haunt normal places they would have frequented or loved in life. So too, the majority of humans live and are active during the day. Most of the sightings are had during the day as well. Think about what you have heard or the historic places you visit, etc. Visitors have experiences during normal business hours for the most part. So why do so many people, wait for darkness and then turn off the lights to check for something that wasn’t experienced like that? You see this all the time on TV. Example; If a detective is investigating bank robberies that occur during the day, I wouldn’t think they would stake out a bank in the middle of the night. So why do ghost hunters do it if they are truly looking for the truth? Maybe they aren’t?

 

       I too wonder why people use all these gadgets that you see on TV? All these meters, boxes, etc. I wonder if they research what their equipment is intended for? Personally, I tell people to learn their equipment before they use it. Know what it will do and what it won’t do. For instance, what does an EMF or KII meter actually tell you that you can apply it to an investigation? Oh sure, they beep or light up and they look cool and interrupt the boredom but what do they tell people? I always hear people say that they detect ghosts…, they don’t! Nowhere is there any proof of this. They indicate the presence of present or residual electric current. Well, simple grade school science tells us that the whole planet is surrounded by an Electro Magnetic Field. These meters detect the EMF caused by flowing current whether it is currently on or off. Now if the common belief is that ghosts were people and are of the same energy as they were when alive. Then holding an EMF meter up to a living person should register the same as a ghost and it won't. If it did, then that is something you can work with. Other than that I would just leave them for the electricians to use for what they were intended.

Now I guess it is time to move on to the next blog and take a walk through what I think a paranormal investigation is. It is just a preliminary investigation as a full investigation runs through conclusion and reports findings over a long period. Not a few hours sitting in the dark. 

Time for change? Standardization?

Ghost Hunting VS Paranormal Investigating… Part #1

I am asked many times to speak or write something about what I do as far as the paranormal and have always found myself declining. My reasons for the most part have been because my ideas and methods don’t seem to fit in with the main stream and people in this field seem to have thin skins for the most part and get offended when people don’t agree with what they have learned. People also tend to forget that when you follow someone blindly, you are limited to that persons way of thinking. Blind Faith should be reserved for religion. I always keep in mind this quote when I feel stagnated. 

 

Any intelligent person can make things bigger and more complex... It takes a touch of genius --- and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction. Einstein

 

Also remembering a theory called "Occam's razor".  In a nutshell it says: The simpler version, will explain it to more people. Always remember, simpler is better...  So, I try not to over complicate things with gadgets or theory. Do you remember the KISS method? (keep it simple stupid) Well I changed the last word to Sherlock since people want to be investigators.

 

It also seems that most everyone these days, that has either read the books, watched the TV shows or both, has started a group of their own. Now on the surface a lot of people see this as nothing more than people parroting what they have learned from what they have seen. This is fine if they are approaching it as a hobby or social event to have fun. However, everywhere you look people are getting away from the term Ghost Hunter and labeling themselves as Paranormal Investigators, researchers or dare I say… Parapsychologists, which I have explained earlier.

 

I guess this is to be expected as they do have a more professional ring to them.  However, like with anything, if you don’t or can’t live up to your label, it can backfire on you and will undermine or destroy your credibility. Like calling yourself a Parapsychologist without a degree in Psychology. Sure you may impress the novice but what happens when the people with Psychology degrees question your background? I could call myself Dr. but I can assure you, one day it will come back to bite me you know where as it has with others recently. 

 

So, I have classified those in the Paranormal field into 4 major categories for my own personal reasons. Just what I label people, you may call yourself what you like.

 

1.              Ghost Hunter – A person or persons who, for reasons of curiosity of the existence of spirits, pursues proof of the possibility by random means. i.e. Taking random photos, recordings, etc., in the hope of obtaining an anomaly by accident anywhere they go. Mostly in abandoned buildings, cemeteries, and popular places frequented by persons with the same curiosity.  

 

2.              Paranormal Examiner – Pretty much the same description as a Ghost Hunter with the exception of having a serious interest in all things paranormal. (UFO’s, Crypto zoology, Ghosts, etc.) Many of whom will document their findings in case there is something found to investigate.  

 

 

3.              Paranormal Investigator – Here is where a big gap in procedure occurs. Paranormal Investigators follow a set procedure and guidelines and who set standards for themselves. This involves a lot of interviews, paperwork, and follow up all of which is physically recorded in a case file. They do not investigate for one evening or night by taking photos in the dark hoping to catch something. Investigations take a long time and do not stop with the obtaining of an EVP or questionable photo. Those are not necessarily evidence anyway but clues to be followed up on. The investigator will evaluate what others do before investing time for a formal investigation.

 

4.                   Paranormal Researcher –  The simple definition being :  The search for knowledge or in general, any systematic investigation to establish FACTS.  A Paranormal Researcher researches everything, not just ghosts! They interview people, research all the gadgets, people, etc., out there past & present. 

Now this is one label that a lot of people use because people think it really makes them look like they know what they are doing. However, in truth, Einstein had it correct when he said; If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it? 

 

I will admit that I took Einstein’s quote into account when naming my group as a Paranormal Research Organization. I find no shame in being truthful and will be the first to admit that we do not know what is happening on the other side or if there even is another side. I also have begun refraining from using the word “investigation” in exchange for the term “Examination”. There is a lot of wasted time investigating nothing, so now we examine until we find something and is why we mostly investigate documented paranormal activity.

 

However, I do call myself a Paranormal Investigator. Not because I investigate reports of paranormal activity but because I have years experience as a detective and formal education in Criminal investigations. This has given me a certain discipline in being able to set up and perform investigations that I have adapted to the paranormal. 

 

       With all that said, I would like to share some of my ideologies, methods of investigation and beliefs of how I think things really are in the paranormal world based on many years of Paranormal Study & Research. Now, take what I say with a grain of salt as anything I may say is meant as what I have found or believe and not to be confused as saying that anyone else is wrong in whatever they may believe or that what I say is fact. If it IS FACT I will make that clear.

Ghost Hunting is just what it says and the key word is hunting. Just going somewhere and waiting for something to happen. Just like any hunter. You look for a place that might harbor your quarry and then go look for it. It is very simple and anyone can do it but it is NOT investigating.

Paranormal Investigations IS an exact science if you (as you should) follow investigative procedure. There are procedures, methods and protocols to be followed to do it right not unlike investigating anything. Everyone who labels themselves as such should all be following the same procedures if their work is to ever be accepted by the masses and taken as serious to show proof of their efforts. The problem herein is that most people don’t want to share nor do they want to follow rules.

So, next blog, I will go through an investigation step by step but not too detailed. No this is not a 101 class. lol Just to give people an idea of what is done in an investigation and why I feel it is important for everyone to follow the same methods. It’s not that hard and many already do it. Just for those who are interested.

Parapsychologists

1. “Parapsychology" is a pseudoscience. 
   
   

   pseu·do·sci·ence

   ˌso͞odōˈsīəns/

   noun

   1. a collection of beliefs or practices mistakenly regarded as being based on scientific method.
    “Parapsychologists" study telepathy, precognition, clairvoyance, psychokinesis, near-death experiences, reincarnation, apparitional experiences, and other paranormal claims. 
   
   
   None of which are credible unless you hold degrees in Psychology. Regardless of what the people on TV tell you. Many of which have made a nice living by telling people they are Parapsychologists with no degree or training in psychology. Now you wouldn't go to someone who called themselves a Doctor without an MD, would you? So why would you believe what someone was telling you because they said they were a parapsychologist? In short, most everyone who calls themselves a Parapsychologist is nothing more than a Ghost Hunter just like you. 
   
   Now keep in mind that some people early in the last century were in the field of Psychology and delved into the paranormal field and called themselves Parapsychologists and rightly so. That is quite a different story and acceptable but I take pause when I hear the term these days. 
   
   So too unfortunately in this field of study, people feel titles make them look credible and more important than they actually are. However, the truth will eventually come out.

    However, there is actually continuing higher education in the field of Psychology correctly labeled Parapsychology. Surprised? Don’t be. Most of us who have lived several decades probably have done it without the education. 

 

     It is nothing more than the study of Death, the dying, what people believe and how people deal with it. The dealing with people who believe in the hereafter, Heaven, Hell, Spirits and so on. These people, (of which most of us in the paranormal community are) are the ones that psychologists deal with each and every day. They help these people cope with the death of loved ones. Help them understand their own feelings and beliefs, etc. 

     Oh, it is obviously much more involved on an educational level but you see, there really is a subfield considered Parapsychology. Unfortunately, most of those who are self described Parapsychologists (past and present) are nothing more than ghost hunters…