What We Do
Our process from initial contact, research and physical investigation to evidence review and presentation is detailed below.
2. After your initial contact with our Case Manager, the group will look over your case and decide whether or not an investigation is needed. If possible, depending on the location, we will make a preliminary visit to your site where an interview will most likely be conducted and recorded. We may also interview anyone else that has experienced anything related to your possible haunting. If needed, the interviews can be done over the phone pending any scheduling conflicts.
3. During the preliminary visit we will also conduct a walkthrough. We prefer to have prior acclimation to the site being investigated as the majority of our investigations happen after dark. EMF readings and air temperatures are recorded to set a base level for comparison to later fluctuations that may occur over the course of an investigation. Notes are also taken on any natural occurring phenomenon that might attribute to any activity being reported such as noisy pipes or drafty windows.
4. We will then set up a date with you to come back for the investigation. The length of our stay is predetermined and will depend both on your preference and the size of your property.
5. In the weeks leading up to your investigation we will gather any relevant historical data about your site that is available via your local library or property records office.
How We Do It
This is an outline of the equipment we use on investigations.
EMF Meters - These are tools used for detecting electromagnetic fields (EMFs) which many investigators believe can be present when an entity tries to manifest. We will always try to find a 'natural' source for any EMF spikes during the course of an investigation. If none is found, that is noted as well and may indicate paranormal activity.
Temperature Readers - One often hears about 'hot' or 'cold' spots during an investigation or active haunt. The use of a temperature reader can help to eliminate common factors having to do with body temperature at rest. Any significant drops or rises in temperature are noted as well as whether or not a natural environmental factor can be to blame.
Digital Voice Recorders - We use these for recording Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP). EVPs are voices captured on digital or cassette recorders that were not heard at the time of the investigation. Please see our educational section for more information on this phenomena.
Cameras - the purpose of taking photos during an investigation is probably pretty obvious; to capture any paranormal phenomena that may occur from orbs to full bodied apparitions. There is a long list of do's and don'ts when it comes to taking photos during an investigation from the proper way to clean a lense to making sure your camera strap isn't dangling directly in front of the camera. HPI will be adding more information on this process in the future. We recommend taking a basic photography class to learn these techniques. We also have a page dedicated to 'false evidence' which showcases some of the most common mistakes made when using a camera on an investigation.
Camcorders - Often used in conjunction with recorders during an EVP session, camcorders come in handy when ruling out possible EVPs. Also commonly used to monitor a room when there are no investigators present. The same caution is used as far as common mistakes and misuse.
Motion Sensors - These are used often when the group is stationed in one area to detect movement outside the immediate perimeter of an area of investigation.
Extra Batteries - It is quite common for new batteries to suddenly drain during an investigation, the cause of which could be paranormal or mundane. In either case, it's a good rule of thumb to have plenty of extra batteries on hand.