Rules and Regs
Rules and Protocols
2008-2009
Middle Tennessee Ghost Chasers PROTOCOLS & BYLAWS
Article I. General Overview
1.1 Our Mission
a. To Discover more about life, the universe, and the greater scheme of things by scientifically and metaphysically investigating unusual and mysterious events and happenings, and to help out others in the process.
1.2 Our Vision
a. To understand and help others to understand
b. We seek to understand paranormal events through investigations using all tools at our disposal with an emphasis on open minded investigating.
c. We endeavor to help individuals who are experiencing unexplainable events to understand why these events are happening through interviews, investigations, and education. We endeavor to resolve the events so that all can live in peace. We pay as much if not more attention to the human aspect as we do paranormal investigation.
d. In regard to intelligent hauntings, we also endeavor to help the entity resolve any issues he/she is facing in an effort to move on.
1.3 Our Approach
a. Empirical evidence strongly suggests something of a paranormal nature exists in our world. Therefore we endeavor to prove the existence of paranormal events by proving they don’t exist. In other words, we approach the investigation of paranormal activity of any kind from the position of trying to explain it as a natural occurrence. We first endeavor to prove that paranormal activity is caused by explainable events. Thus, whatever remains is paranormal. Though we use the scientific method, this does not mean that we are skeptics; it means that we maintain a healthy skepticism tempered by an open mind. Truth does exist, only`falsehood must be fabricated. We seek to discover the truth.
b. We view supernatural entities in the same way we view human beings, that is, as subject to the same universal laws and universal moral codes as human beings.
1.4 Our Team
a. The Team although directed by the Founder, The Vice President, Assistant Director, Middle Tennessee Ghost Chasers is a self leading team. The Middle Tennessee Ghost Chasers team is based on shared leadership, and not a dictatorship.
b. Chapters: Even though Middle Tennessee Ghost Chasers may have chapter with itself we all work together as a group to obtain one goal.
1.5 Types of Paranormal Activity We Investigate
a. Ghost
b. Spirits
c. Demonic
d. Mysterious Creatures and Happenings
1.6 Regions We Cover
a. Tennessee “North, South, East and West”
b. Kentucky “Central, East, and South”
c. Georgia “North”
1.7 Our Process
a. When an individual contacts us for help, we conduct an initial telephone interview about the event(s). Depending on the information obtained we also may meet with the client to do a pre-investigation inquiry. After determining that further investigation is warranted, we will then conduct an on site investigation to learn and find answers. Next we will review and examine all data, do further research if necessary, and then meet with or call the client to discuss our findings. We will provide the clients with copies of all evidence that was captured. It is important to reiterate that though the whole process, we not only help the client to understand what is happening, but also help them feel comforted and understood. “Fixing” the client is as important as or more important that investigating the phenomenon.
1.8 Our Tools
a. We use many different tools to find answers, such as infrared cameras, EMF Meters, digital recorder, digital thermometers, etc. We also use intuitive psychic feed back, dowsing rods, etc. Being open minded, we do not necessarily rule out any particular tool that may be of value.
Article II. Specific Protocols and Procedures
2.1 Reputation and Credibility
a. Our greatest asset is our reputation and credibility as professional researchers and investigators. Therefore, we always strive to maintain and uphold our good reputation in everything we do. Always use your good judgment when making decisions during investigations.
b. All team members must represent the team in a professional manner. This means returning calls and emails in a prompt and timely fashion.
c. In the paranormal field, any photographic, video, audio, or psychic evidence stands solely on the credibility of the people who gathered that evidence.
2.2 Client Contact, Interviews, Confidentiality and Release Forms
a. The case manager is primarily responsible for finding cases to investigate, client contact, and scheduling investigations.
b. All interviews will performed primarily by the Case Manager though other select members may assist and or stand in on a temporary nature.
c. Interviews of different witness/parties will be conducted individually first and then together if necessary.
d. All clients must consent to an initial pre-interview for an investigation to proceed, followed by detailed interview(s) onsite. If the client does not consent to the pre-interview questions, we will decline to investigate further.
e. All clients will be given a confidential release form to sign and allow or decline the release of information, property access agreement, and liability release.
f. Team members should not reveal any information to the psychics or mediums prior to investigating.
g. All client information is to be deemed confidential and private unless released by the client(s).
2.3 Acceptable Cases
a. In the case of a private cases that meet the following conditions:
1. In Case of a private resident/office, our services must be needed and must believe that we can help in some way
2. Our Investigations must be a win-win (mutually beneficial). Investigations for clients just curious will be purged.
3. We politely decline cases where the client’s mental and or emotional stability is in question.
4. Onsite, we will not continue an investigation if we question the client’s mental or emotional stability is at question and we will refer them to professional help.
5. We will decline cases where the client is in desire of fame, monetary gain, a set up for us to debunk.
b. Abuse and Neglect Issues. Member(s) whom observe signs of child abuse, neglect, or elderly abuse must report it to the proper authorities.
2.4 Professional Behavior
a. Professional behavior must be displayed at all times.
b. Please use discretion as to your words and conduct when around clients.
c. Professional and courteous behavior is also expected to be given to team members, entities, and visitors.
2.5 Investigations
a. Not all members will necessarily participate in every investigation. In addition to the core positions (President, Vice President, Case Manager), other members will be chosen according to the specific needs of the case. Every effort will be made to rotate members among cases so that everyone can participate.
b. There are there primary objectives in any investigation:
1. Help the Clients
2. Help the Spirits
3. Find Answers
c. To the extent possible, any historical case research will be performed after the onsite investigation is completely to ensure team member objectivity.
d. All cases must be approved. No member may investigate an event under the auspices of Middle Tennessee Ghost Chasers without knowledge and permission of the President.
e. Active investigations must be performed by at least two team members together-no individuals are permitted to go alone to investigate. This will provide a safe environment as well as two witnesses in the event activity is captured.
f. Recording techniques (audio or video):
1. All TV’s and radio on premises should be turned off if at all possible.
2. When talking, Do NOT Whisper, speak in normal tone. Any whispers will corrupt the evidence.
3. Do not discuss things of a personal or private nature “what you do not want repeated or recorded.
4. Always begin a recording by stating your name, the day, date, approximate time, client location, and who is with you.
5. Always verbally explain on the recording any types of natural sounds unless having significant to the case.
g. Members must remain rational, objective, levelheaded, and professional in all situations, which means not running away from paranormal events.
h. Any smoking must be done a great distance away from the investigation site.
i. No alcohol or drugs are allowed on investigations.
j. Do not wear cologne or perfume to an investigation.
k. What to bring on investigations: Snacks, extra clothes, extra batteries, drinks.
2.6 Dress Code
a. Team member LOGO attire is not required but it is strongly recommended.
b. Dress for the weather.
c. No team member is to wear offensive logos or words on them.
d. Dress comfortable (long hours are common)
2.7 Evidence and Case Report
a. All participating team members must complete an investigation report within 5 business days. Any video taken must be reviewed with in 5 business days as well.
b. Team members must within 10 business days must report their experiences to the case manager.
c. All evidence captured will be handled with care and must remain in your possession at all times.
2.6 Members Contributions to the Team and the Paranormal Field
a. All Middle Tennessee Ghost Chasers members must make meaningful contributions to the team, such as helping with set up, evidence review, talking to people to spread the word about the team, posting in the forums boards, welcoming new members, and generally being a positive influence.
b. All Middle Tennessee Ghost Chasers members must be visible and make meaningful contributions to the paranormal field. This can be in many ways such as:
1. Writing article to express a different perspective on a paranormal issue
2. Appearing on radio as a Middle Tennessee Member
3. Seeking media mentions, such as newspaper interviews.
4. Speaking at public and paranormal events
5. Participating in team projects
3.0 Membership Requirements
a. All members must follow the Standards and Protocols
b. Individuals must be 25 years of age (subject to the discretion of the President and Vice President) unless accompanied by a parent who is already a Middle Tennessee Ghost Chasers member.
c. All individuals applying for a trainee position must be serious minded, dependable, and honest.
d. All new members will serve a 90 day probationary period. During this time Middle Tennessee Ghost Chasers can extend probation for an additional 90 days. While on probation Middle Tennessee Ghost Chasers can terminate a probationary member for any rule, policy, safety or protocol violation.
e. Members must be flexible with their schedules.
f. Members must pay their own expenses “travel, hotel, food” during investigations.
g. Members must own or be able to access a computer.
h. Members must have a state issued ID.
i. Members must have never been convicted of a crime.
j. Members must not accept membership within any other team
4.0 Membership Resignation and Dismissal
4.1 Resignation
a. Middle Tennessee Ghost Chasers membership is “At Will” which means any member can resign at any time for any reason.
b. If a team member goes 30 days without contact or communication with the President or Vice President it will be assumed that the member is no longer interested in being a member and he or she will be dismissed without advanced notice.
c. Once when a member has resigned he/she will no longer claim to be affiliated with Middle Tennessee Ghost Chasers.
4.2 Dismissal
a. The primary reason most members have been dismissed is due to a lack of communication.
b. Any decision to dismiss a member is never taken lightly.
c. Members can be dismissed for any of the following reasons:
1. Failing to follow protocols
2. Poor and infrequent communications
3. Failing to reply to emails from the President or Vice President within 48 hours.
4. Misrepresenting Middle Tennessee Ghost Chasers e.g., poor public conduct
5. Alcohol or drug use while on duty
6. Falsifying evidence or being dishonest
7. Not following up with a client (dropping the ball)
8. Not being a team player
9. Lack of dependability
d. Once when a member is dismissed he/she will no longer claim to be a member.
e. Consideration of members who have been dismissed and want to return will be the Presidents sole decision.