The
Paranormal Researchers of North Georgia
Handbook and Indications
The following text offers an in-depth explanation of
the PRONG organization. It states the guidelines in which all members must
follow, along with the explanation of investigation procedures. Additions,
deletions or any changes to this document may occur only with the member
majority vote of 2/3 or larger.
Mission Statement
This organization was founded in attempts to provide credible information of
the unexplained to the general public. Regardless of our beliefs or
spiritualities, we believe that this field deserves as much logical research as
possible until aspects of the unexplained are either proven or shown to be
false. Whether believer or skeptic, we encourage all to accompany our efforts
to reveal the truths beyond the mysteries with honest and valuable information
in which the world can research for the future.
Staff
Board of Directors - The PRONG
organization is typically in the layout of a small committee. Within the team is
a Board of Directors with positions held by the lead investigators. The Board
of Directors run the organization, manage personnel, approve and conduct
investigations or experiments, and request specific effort on behalf of the
outside staff.
Investigators - Investigators
accompany the team on investigations and etc. Investigators must fully
understand the equipment in which they are in control over. Investigators may
fall anywhere between skeptics and intense believers. They must be prepared to
analyze all data thoroughly. Often, specific equipment will be distributed to
the investigators in which have the best capabilities of running the device.
Case Manager - The Case Manager
gathers all necessary information for an investigation. The Case Manager is in
control over contracts, research, post-documentation (a summary of events
during an investigation, written after the investigation takes place), and
other subject grounds involving the cases. Any questions involving the case may
be answered credibly by the Case Manager. The Case Manager coordinates the
case, making the investigation possible.
Case Researchers - Case researchers
obtain information involving an investigation. History, cardiographs, events
and etc. are expected to be researched. Case researchers must be prepared to
document information gathered in an investigation.
Technical Advisors
- Technical advisors understand all equipment used in an investigation. They
understand how to analyze the information captured by this equipment, as well as
maintain or repair it. The technical advisors have the ability to provide a
more thorough examination of the technical information captured than an
investigator. They also monitor equipment during investigations.
Specialists - Specialists include
those who are specifically familiar with any area that could contribute to our
investigations. Specialists should provide some type of proof of their
expertise. Examples of a specialist job could include EVP Specialists or other
‘capturing’ equipment specialists, parapsychologists, historians, angelologists, demonologists, and many others. The
specialist jobs are very broad, including skeptical expertise to spiritual
expertise. Questions involving the specialists’ jobs can be answered by the
Board of Directors.
Trainee - Trainees are individuals
accepted into the PRONG organization, however they have not yet become
certified by the PRONG Board of Directors. Trainees must meet a set curriculum
until they are proclaimed certified by the organization itself.
Membership Acceptance
Membership into the PRONG organization is decided by 2/3 majority vote of the
current Board of Directors. The voting session is held directly after the
reading of the applicant’s application, along with the hearing of a brief
interview. The applicant will be held as a trainee immediately after accepted,
and they must undergo a set curriculum in order to obtain a specific job.
Once accepted into the PRONG organization, all members must comply with the
guidelines stated in this document.
Trainee Curriculum
A packet of study materials will be issued to the
trainee for two weeks. They must study these materials and become familiar with
the information it provides.
Fifteen hours of investigation is required in which the trainee must become
familiar with each piece of equipment, understand the basics of how to conduct
an investigation, learn how to document information, and understand how to
analyze information correctly.
An essay must be written to explain signs of spirit activity and the ways and
forms that the phenomena are captured. It must explain how science and logic
are used to analyze data. It should provide a step by step basis explaining the
procedures in a paranormal investigation.
A multiple choice test covering terminology, equipment,
investigation, deductive reasoning, and the PRONG organization will be given to
the trainee. A passing score will be deemed anywhere above seventy-five percent
of correct answers.
After completion of the curriculum, a PRONG certificate, a staff identification
card, and an email account with PRONG will be awarded to the former trainee.
Rules
- Each member must conduct themselves with professionalism while dealing with
investigations.
- Members are required to possess notebooks (not to be confused with logbooks)
for personal research into aspects of the paranormal.
- All members must obey by all contracts with outside individuals.
- Horseplay/Practical Joking is prohibited during investigations.
- No drug use during an investigation and no member will be under the effect of
any drug at anytime during any PRONG event.
- Do not disrespect the dead. This includes vulgarity towards the entities and
members carelessly handling locations.
- Absolutely no trespassing.
- Members must bring some form of I.D. on investigations.
- Camera lenses must be cleaned before each investigation.
- Cell phones are not allowed on the premises of the investigation.
- Members must combine together as a group of two or more before they
investigate.
- Handle the equipment with care.
- Major decisions may be made with a 2/3 member majority vote.
- Absolutely no Ouija use or Séances.
- Absolutely no stealing or vandalism.
- Long hair must be pulled back during an investigation.
- Do not wear perfume or cologne during an investigation
- While capturing EVP, ask permission to speak with the entity.
- Always remain optimistic and open-minded during an investigation.
- No member should allow their personal beliefs or feelings to interfere with
the capturing and analyzing of evidence.
Equipment and Miscellaneous Objects
First Aid Kits - In case of an
accident on the premises of an investigation, first aid kits always need to be
at hand.
Cameras - Both digital and 35mm
cameras are used. Cameras can capture limited evidence, such as orbs, ectoplasm
mist, and possibly more materialized figures that the human eye cannot see.
Flashlights - Flashlights may be
used during an investigation to aid in seeing.
Voice Recorders - Both digital and
analog voice recorders are used. Voice recorders capture electronic voice
phenomena. Analog voice recorders are accessorized with an external microphone
to decrease the amount of interference inside the device.
Infrared Surveillance Cameras -
These cameras are placed in specific locations for the entire investigation. They
are hooked up to monitors which a technical advisor
will be monitoring.
Misc Cables - Due to larger
premises, cables and other wires must be used in order to ensure that the
majority of equipment is used.
Video Recorders - Night vision is
often used. Video recorders have been known to catch several anomalies.
Batteries - Extra batteries are
always at hand during investigations for obvious reasons.
Tripods - Tripods are used to keep
the cameras stabilized. For digital cameras, they reduce problems such as
blurring.
Electromagnetic Field
Meters - EMF Meters measure electronic fields over different frequencies.
Disruptions in the electromagnetic field could possibly point to paranormal
activity.
Compasses - Used
for navigation and EMF detection.
Logbooks - Logbooks are used before,
during, and after investigations to document nearly every event that takes
place.
Thermometers - Paranormal activity
may result in increases or decreases in temperature.
Two Way Radios -
Used for communication when investigators split up.
Laptops/PC/Software - Laptops are
used to monitor investigations in real time, as well as to analyze evidence
after investigations. Specific software can analyze evidence in nearly every device.
Motion Detectors - Motion Sensors
are only used during indoor investigations. They capture any movement within
certain distances.
PRONG Attire and Identification Badges
- Each member has this on during investigations.
Case Types
Investigations - Typical
investigations occur when a single location is visited at a maximum amount of
two times.
Projects - Projects occur when a
single location is investigated three or more times.
Experiments - Experiments include
relative data to research aspects of the paranormal.
Investigation Procedures
Contract Signing - PRONG has several
contracts that we are required to go over with clients. They include our
liability, a privacy statement, and certain forms to possibly limit our
investigation techniques.
Interview - PRONG will interview
owners of the location prior to an investigation. Witnesses of activity in the
location may be asked questions. This information will be recorded along with
the case research.
Case Research -
The location and paranormal events will be researched as much as possible
before an investigation in order for PRONG to get a feel of what they’re
getting into.
Scouting - After packing up the
equipment and ending up at a destination, PRONG will take awhile to become
familiar with the location. This can be done as a tour or simply just having PRONG
walk around and write down notes to help the staff
navigate themselves.
Setup – After scouting, base camp
will be set up within the location or in our mobile command unit (depending on size
of location).
Lights Out - Once the lights are
out, PRONG spends time wandering around getting one last feel for the area in a
new atmosphere.
Investigation - PRONG will use
equipment and technology to capture photographs, videos, audio, and other types
of evidence. PRONG will cover as much area as allowed. Events will be logged.
Analyzing - PRONG will possibly take
the remaining night or next day to go through all footage and evidence
captured. Appropriate software will be used to ensure a thorough examination.
Conclusion - After all evidence has
been analyzed, PRONG will return to the owner and share all information. To the
best of PRONG’s ability, explanations will be given as to what exactly is
happening on the location.
Documentation - The case file will be stored for later reference, and all
information allowed will be posted on the PRONG website for others to research.
Meetings and Lectures
Meetings - Meetings for staff will
be held bimonthly. Possible upcoming investigations will be reviewed, past
investigations will be discussed, community involvement will be discussed,
scheduling will take place, any changes to the organization will be discussed,
and questions will be asked and answered. Members are strongly urged to attend
meetings unless they absolutely cannot make it.
Lectures -
Lectures will be scheduled at staff meetings. They are for anyone interested in
the paranormal. Normally, members will teach about paranormal investigation,
including the equipment used, terms, evidence, and
much more. Some lectures will actually involve a small investigation to give
people a hands on experience.
Consequences
Any staff who violates any of these rules or indications will be put under
strict offenses.
1st Offense - Warning
2nd Offense - Suspension from PRONG events for a varied time.
3rd Offense - Removal from the PRONG Organization.
Conclusion
The Paranormal Researchers of North Georgia was founded in January, 2006.
This document was written Monday May 22nd, 2006
Revisions:
-
Thursday October 15th, 2009
