| Each group has it's own procedures, and SJP is no exception. Here is our "ideal" process from beginning to end. Obviously this is subject to some change depending on the situation and local conditions, but we try to stick closely to it. Step 1) Initial Contact The client has contacted us asking for assistance. In this brief conversation, normally on the phone or over e-mail, we will ask for some basic information. Most of this is contact information and a general overview of the activities being experienced. This gives us a basic idea of what we may be dealing with and what the client's situation is. From here we will begin a cursory research into the location. We will also making arrangements for an in-depth face-to-face interview at a later date. To be completely honest, this is also a filtering stage. This allows us to filter out the obvious attention-seekers and the unstable. This doesn't automatically mean that an investigation will not be made (needy people have problems too), but it will help prevent a massive expenditure of time and resources that could be put toward more vital needs. Step 2) Interview Once we have been in contact with the client, we will arrange a time for a detailed interview. This may be held anywhere the client feels most comfortable. We'd ask that this not be at the location that is experiencing phenomena unless it is necessary (it helps preserve objectivity). This interview will be very detailed. There are many questions that are "standardized," and the interviewer will add more as he feels may be needed. Many of them may seem unusual, flaky, or of a personal nature. It is important that the client understands these are necessary so that we can properly prepare for the investigation, and should not be offended. This will also be first chance to ask all the in-depth questions the client wants to ask about us. Go for broke. Toward the end of this session, the client is given the standard permission and confidentiality forms. Following this, members of SJP will meet and discuss the situation, and make proper plans for how to proceed. A case manager will be assigned, and he will assemble the research team and investigation team. Step 3 ) Research Now begins the work. Members begin doing in-depth background checks on the location, such as determining the site history, previous occupants, documented unusual events, and so on. Many hours will be spent in libraries, newspaper archives, the county clerk's office, to name a few places. If the location has been investigated by other groups, they will be contacted and conferred with. The ultimate goal is to know the location's history better than the people that made that history (it never happens that completely, but always aim high). Somewhere during this process, the client will be introduced to the case manager (assuming he was not the one who conducted the interview, which is common). He will ask to see the location with the client. While there, these things are done; * clarify any minor questions that remain * sketch the property, noting any obvious points of interest, difficulty, or hazards * plans the equipment needed and its setup locations * look for obvious structural or natural causes of activities * most importantly, make sure the client is comfortable with the idea of having a group of strangers in the home, and do his best to allay any remaining concerns. Prior to this moment, the case manager will have gathered a list of dates that the investigation team members can be available. Of these, the client will be asked to choose two dates. The first one is the intended investigation day, and the second one is the "rain day" in case Life rears its ugly head. Once all the pre-checked data has been collected and the case manager has a plan, he will call the investigation team together. He will present the information the research team has gathered, will tell the team the overall plan and schedule, and will then get out of the way while the team gets the equipment checked, ready, and loaded up. Next stop; the location. Step 4) Investigation Things will be moving fast at this point. The team will arrive at the location, everyone will be introduced to the client, and the equipment will be setup. Each room will be photographed for reference purposes and measured for EM fields and temperature to establish a baseline. The location will be closely checked for obvious natural causes of phenomena, such as faulty wiring, air in the plumbing, loose boards or structural members, poor ventilation, mold, and more. Once everything is in place and checked for function, the lights will be turned off and the data collection begins. Team members almost always function in pairs, or at least within sight of each other. The entire process will be videoed as much as possible. A majority of the work will be done with audio recorders attempting to gather EVP's, supported by EMF sensors and thermometers. Members are encouraged to be "snap-happy" with the cameras, shooting anything even remotely interesting. Members will be switched out at different points during this process. Once this "EVP sweep" is completed, the waiting begins. Members will find places around the location that they can sit and wait and watch (this is called "static monitoring" or "static monitoring" by those who don't like to call it "sitting in the dark"). This can take several hours. If any activity is noticed, some of the team will look into it immediately, but others will remain in static monitoring positions. Investigations will normally take at least four and as much as twelve hours, depending on the activity levels, property size, team size, and other factors. In the end the equipment will be packed up and everyone heads home for some much-needed sleep. Step 5) Analysis Now comes more work. Each minute of video will be scrutinized. Photos will be examined with savage criticism. Audio recordings will be filtered and washed and amplified and so on. Each recording will be looked at by at least two people, and they will take their time doing it. For every hour of data on one recording, an average of three hours will be spent examining it. If anything unusual is found, several people will examine those portions very closely again. This adds up to a lot of hours, and thorough analysis can take several weeks. But better to be slow than miss something important. Step 6) Report Once all the data is sifted through, the case manager assembles a report on the results (normally this is on disk and hardcopy). One copy is put into a reference file while the "masters" are put in long-term storage. Another copy is delivered to the client. Each notable piece of evidence is explained to the client's satisfaction, questions are answered, and a follow-up investigation is authorized if both parties feel it is warranted. If not, then the case is closed. Step 7) Follow-Up SJP will contact the client a month or so later to check up on their status. Perhaps another investigation is warranted, perhaps not. But it should be made clear to the client that he can call at any time for a re-evaluation. Also, assuming the client has permitted it, evidence will be posted on the SJP website or delivered to other groups for their consideration. This is key to the development of this field. The more we share with each other, the greater our understanding becomes. 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| The Investigation Procedure |