Code of Ethics and Protocols For the Paranormal Investigator and Researcher

 

CODE OF ETHICS AND PROTOCOLS

FOR THE PARANORMAL INVESTIGATOR AND RESEARCHER

PREFACE:

A paranormal investigator’s (the “researcher”) goal is to obtain objective and detailed data to support or invalidate paranormal phenomena. Researcher’s maintain that the process of cases involving paranormal phenomena include personal property, historic significance, religious interests, opposing opinion, and public image. In reaching the goal of objective and detailed data the researcher has certain obligations to the client, the paranormal research community, their team, and their own individual character. The researcher should consider their work to include other avenues outside the paranormal case which include; education, community outreach/ service, continuing education, and public inclusion. The following Code of Ethics outlines the principles and protocols researcher should maintain; during the paranormal case, in social settings, and beyond. These principles include integrity, respect, responsibility, honesty, compassion, altruism, teamwork, confidentiality, wisdom, reliability, transparency, commitment, and fairness.

CODE OF ETHICS:

1. The researcher will maintain the highest standards in all aspects of paranormal research including but not limited to the process of documentation, data collection, observation, analyzation, research, and education.

2. The researcher will maintain a respect for the research process, the history, the unknown, clients, associates, peers, locations, and the diverse views within the paranormal research field.

3. The researcher will be a proponent for the preservation of history and paranormal research; while understanding and accepting the differences of opinion or approach.

4. The researcher will pursue continued education into new ideas, techniques, equipment, and data; by actively participating in field research, networking, discussion, and other media consumption.

5. The researcher will only practice within the scope of their educational, professional and personal limits.

6.  The researcher will maintain an objective and critical thinking process when documenting, observing, and validating potential paranormal phenomena.

7.  The researcher will maintain a high standard for their approach to every case of paranormal research or investigation regardless of equipment, resources, variables, or conditions so that the quality of the results and involved parties are not compromised.

8. The researcher will utilize techniques, equipment, and approaches that do not adversely affect; the reliability of results, the history, the unknown, the researcher/team, the client/ associates, the location, or the reputation of the parties involved.

9. The researcher will document, observe, investigate, validate, debunk, and analyze all aspects of the paranormal case.

10. The researcher will preserve and protect property that is part of the paranormal case with appropriate permissions and respect.

11. The researcher will be honest and respectful in all interactions with their team, peers, colleagues, clients, and the public. They will also seek to support opportunities to educate others and recognize those who have knowledge in concentrated topics.

12.  The researcher will actively contribute to the positive development of paranormal research by sharing individual knowledge, forming new theories, testing equipment, adapting methodologies, and educating others.

13. The researcher will operate in a way that is safe which will protect themselves and others from any hazards that may cause injury and/or legal ramifications.

PROTOCOLS:

CONDUCT: It is the personal responsibility of the Researcher to adhere to the code of ethics. The researcher recognizes certain situations may alter professional liability.

CONFIDENTIALITY: The Researcher maintains strict confidentiality of all information unless permissions or requests have been given for disclosure of information. All details of confidentiality should be discussed thoroughly and documents should be drawn for any disclosure agreements.

DISCLOSURE: It is the responsibility of the Researcher to disclose any details of structure, guidelines, rules, requests, liability, confidentiality, etc. with their client and/ or associates. This can include but is not limited to protocols or structure for the interview, walk through, investigation, review, case conclusion, outside consultation, or public sharing of case details. The Researcher should disclose the potential of increased or decreased paranormal activity as well as stating the chances of communication or interaction with the supposed entities.

PERMISSIONS: It is the responsibility of the Researcher to gain permission to enter any property from the owner or legal representative. Furthermore, permissions should be gain for access to any areas of the property before entering. The Researcher should have clear permissions for access as a precedent.

LAWS AND REGULATIONS: The Researcher should always follow the laws and regulations put forth for any given organization, government, area, city, county, state, or country.

COMMUNICATION: The Researcher should maintain a clear line of communication and transparency with their clients, associates, peers, and colleagues unless information is confidential. All decisions, agreements, or conclusions should be shared and communicated.

ADMINISTRATION: The Researcher is responsible for any other researcher that is practicing under the umbrella of their name. All tasks should be designated to individuals that also adhere to the Code of Ethics and support the protocols put forth by their supervising researcher. Researchers should have a clean criminal record and should disclose any information that could adversely affect them, their supervising Researcher, the client, associates, or peers.

EDUCATION: The Researcher will use their knowledge and resources to educate others in a constructive and positive way, especially those who are under their mentorship or within their research team.

METHODOLOGY: The Researcher should always follow a high standard in their approach to paranormal research for safety, security, liability, quality, honesty, and professionalism; regardless of the goals of the client or self.

DOCUMENTATION: The Researcher should document all aspects of the paranormal case and create a detail case file. Interviews should have a perfunctory questionnaire with follow up questions for clear, reliable eye-witness accounts and details about the location/ client. A recorded walk through should be done prior to an investigation with pictures, interviews, notes, and planning in mind. Notes of any safety hazards, no-access, or limitations should be made. The Researcher should have detailed plans, delegation, equipment checklists, and forms created prior to the investigation with location details for safety. These plans should not limit the creative technique or methodologies, but should create structure for the location and those involved. Historical research and geological information should be obtained to validate client claims and for information to help in the investigation process. Investigations should be documented fully with audio, video, baselines, conditions, variables, and team movement. Data review should be carefully observed and analyzed with attempts to debunk and validate. All of this information and documentation should be carefully organized for future reference and resource.

VALIDATION: The Researcher will use critical thinking skills and an objective approach in the attempt to find natural explanations for any potential paranormal event that is documented or experienced. It is generally accepted that repeat experiments, investigation, and observation may be needed to form a final conclusion. If there is doubt of the legitimacy of a claim, the data is found to be false or fraudulent, or a logical explanation is found; the Researcher will make detailed notes of the information. They will utilize the supporting evidence that refutes the claim and will state that it was debunked. The Researcher understands that it is important to make sure that natural events are not being misinterpreted as paranormal.

EQUIPMENT AND TECHNIQUE: The Researcher should not use any equipment or techniques that could adversely affect others physical, mental, or emotional well being.  The Researcher should have an understanding of the equipment used in the research process; operation and potential artifacts (false positives) prior to a formal investigation setting. The Researcher and any associates should maintain professional boundaries when investigating paranormal claims, to include how they operate equipment or how they approach their investigation techniques.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The Researcher will observe, collect, analyze, validate, debunk, and review all data before forming a conclusion for any paranormal case. Recommendations should only be made when the Researcher has gathered adequate information to form an educated opinion or conclusion. A plan for further investigation, research, or resolution should be made and approved.

CONSULTATIONS: If the case conclusion or recommendation is outside the scope of educational, personal, or professional limits; the Researcher will make recommendations for the client, associate, peer, or colleague for consultations. Outside consultants should be vetted and trusted colleagues that are able to address the concerns of the client, associate, peer, or colleague. These recommendations for consultation can also include mentorships for continuing education in specific aspects of paranormal research.

RESOLUTION: The Researcher understands that in taking a paranormal case they are responsible for helping to achieve the goals of the client. The Researcher should never give any resolution or recommendation to a client before gathering data that can support this conclusion. The Researcher should operate with compassion and sympathy to help alleviate any fear or concern, they should never say or form conclusions that will adversely affect the clients well being or safety.

PUBLIC RELATIONS: The Researcher should actively be part of paranormal research discussion in forums, blogs, articles, podcasts, social media, and more. They should conduct themselves in a professional, constructive, and positive manner. The Researcher should recognize that reputation and character can be decided by the public with these interactions and as such can affect their future accomplishments.

PROFESSIONAL CONFLICTS: The Researcher should avoid situations that could be conflicts of interest. They should maintain a professional relationship with clients, associates, peers, and colleagues. Researchers should disclose professional relationships with other teams or peers that may be seen as a conflict of interest or could violate a potential compete clause.

MISCONDUCT OR FRAUD: The Researcher should be aware of the appropriate behaviors on and off of a paranormal case, for themselves and others. If inappropriate behaviors, misconduct, or fraud is observed in another Researcher, an associate, peer, or client; the behavior should be addressed in a professional capacity.

AMENDMENTS:

Any proposed changes or amendments to the Code of Ethics or Protocols for the Paranormal Investigator and Researcher should be sent to Rebecca Boyer with Antietam Paranormal Society. All proposed changes or amendments will be reviewed and a determination will be made to accept or deny. You can contact Rebecca Boyer by emailing Antietam Paranormal Society directly at AntietamParanormal@gmail.com.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rebecca Boyer
Co-Founder
Antietam Paranormal Society