Considerations when Using Paranormal Investigators

Many people are careful about the types of workers they invite into their home. Oftentimes friends are asked for recommendations on plumbers, electricians, and contractors. There are even some companies that proudly advertise their workers are subjected to a thorough background check, giving consumers extra peace of mind.

Why is it, though, that many people do not consider more thoroughly screening paranormal groups before inviting a group of individuals into their home or business? Perhaps people are not comfortable discussing the subject with friends, or they do not know anyone else who has used a paranormal investigative group. Some may not even bother comparing different groups in their area, not realizing that there may be more than one group of ghost hunters or paranormal investigators operating in their area. Most areas have quite a few paranormal groups. For example, in the state of Utah there currently are dozens of paranormal investigation groups. Other states have even more groups.

Michael Zimmer, Director of Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah (a member of the TAPS Family) was willing to sit down and discuss paranormal groups and a few point to consider before choosing a group. Following is part of the conversation with Michael.

Q: What, in your opinion, separates a professional paranormal investigative group from one that is not? How can the public tell the difference before bringing a group into their home or business?

A: In my opinion, professionalism is in the character of the team members and their respect for both the client and the entity. It isn't the flashiest website or the most expensive equipment; it's the substance of the investigator. The PI-Team's primary goal isn't to prove or disprove the existence of ghosts, but to help the client deal with whatever paranormal activity is going on in their lives. Too many people get into this field for the thrill of being frightened, but for the client, that kind of attitude can make a bad situation much worse.

As far as telling the difference between professional and non-professional groups, that's difficult, if not impossible for someone outside the field. A website is an easy thing to put up; so are claims of professionalism and a scientific approach.

In general, I'd consider these four points:

1- Response time to an inquiry. We check our emails at least twice a day, and we try to respond within 48 hours to people asking us for help. Usually, we respond the same day. If you have to wait a week or more to hear back from someone, they probably aren't very committed to helping the client.

2 - Shy away from groups making exaggerated claims on their website - dozens of EVPs from every investigation, hundreds of orbs, the ability to "pass over" an entity. It just doesn't happen that way.

3 - Anyone who charges a fee. The study of the paranormal is an inexact science if ever there was one. No one can guarantee results, so to ask for payment for these services seems shady, at best.

4 - Although I am aware of exceptions to this, as a rule a group that has been around long enough to apply for, and receive, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit status from the IRS will be around long enough to see an investigation through to the finish. Non-profit status is extremely difficult to obtain, and most groups in it for the thrill won't go to that much effort.

But also keep in mind that these are generalities. We didn't have a 501 (c) 3 status until recently, and a lot of reputable groups never have one. And sometimes you get swamped with requests for help and don't reply to an email as quickly as you'd like. It happens to the best of us.

Q: Have you noticed any interest in the paranormal investigation community to root out unprofessional or unethical groups? Do you think doing so would be effective?

A: I and other TAPS Family members have discussed this a lot over the years, but no one seems to know where to begin. I could talk forever about regulatory committees, guidelines, reporting issues, etc, but what it all comes down to is that, even though it's needed, no one I've talked to is sure how to go about it in a fair way that can't be abused.

Q: What is the advantage of working with a TAPS Family Member?

A: The number one advantage is knowing that you are working with a reputable team. We went through several interviews and quite a bit of scrutiny before we were accepted as the TAPS affiliate for Utah, Southeastern Idaho, and Southwestern Wyoming. You can also be sure that we have access to some of the best teams in the world for advice, feedback, and encouragement on difficult cases. Many TAPS Family members, including The PI-Team, are in daily communication with the TFM board on issues concerning evidence, unethical groups, new equipment, and a broad range of other topics.

Q: Do you ever have people contacting you after having a negative experience with another paranormal group?

A: We have had people contact us for that reason. Basically, we're talking about individuals in it for the thrill, or who lack respect for the client and the situation. I know of incidences where an investigator showed up drunk, where clients discovered investigators had gone through their drawers and closets, where groups have invited friends with no investigative experience to tag along for fun. These happened right here in the Salt Lake Valley; I've heard worse horror stories from other TAPS teams.

Q: How do you think the recent surge of paranormal TV shows has affected the public's knowledge of research groups and their practices?

A: There is no doubt television has had an enormous influence on the public awareness of paranormal research, and how it "should" be done. The effect has been both positive and negative. On one hand, it's given the field a lot more credibility than it once had, when a majority of people had never even heard of paranormal research, or were inclined to dismiss it as a bunch of kooks who thought they could talk to the dead.

Unfortunately, the list of negative influences is quite a bit longer. There used to be three or four groups in Northern Utah; now there are closer to forty, nearly all of whom received their education watching TV. The problem with that is that television barely scratches the surface of what can be involved in an actual case. TV focuses on what makes good drama, or gives a good thrill to the viewer. It's kind of like thinking the first grade is all the schooling you'll need to succeed in life. I'm not criticizing the teams involved in these shows, I'm just pointing out that they have no control over how a show is edited.

Q: During your time in paranormal research, have you seen the field become more or less professional? What would you say is the cause?

A: Sadly, the paranormal field has become much less professional than it used to be, and the cause has been television, for all of the reasons I mentioned. Eventually, the fad of ghost hunting will diminish and we'll be left with just a core group of teams dedicated to doing good work. I know that within the TAPS Family, it's a day we're all looking forward to.