• Assign a File number to the entry and identify any cross references. Cross references are used to connect an ongoing investigation to an investigation in the past. For example, have you visited this site before?
  
  

• Provide a name that can be used to identify the site or event.
  
  

• Record the name of the primary researcher. In other words, who is “in charge” of this investigation? Who is the Primary decision maker? Also remember to record the names (and if necessary) other information about all investigators and if possible, any onlookers or casual observers.
  
  

• Arrive at the site on time. This is very important if other people are involved in the surveillance. Also, if the investigation is on private property, you need to minimize your impact on the residences (both living and passed).
  
  

• Determine a quitting time but do not record this information until the investigation session actually ends. Nothing is as simple as it seems. The session could easily run
  shorter or longer than expected.
  
  

• The impact the phase of the moon has on manifestations is subject to debate. In any case, this is one more variable that must be tracked in order to seek the highest accuracy. This information is available from many printed sources, on the internet, or from simple observation.
  
  

• Log as much Weather information as possible. Again, this is another variable that must be tracked to maintain the highest accuracy. Check the Internet before you leave home, or in many cases simple observation will be required. Humidity and Wind gusts (if outside) are especially important as high humidly and dust can make for false positives in photographs.
  
  

• Solar activity and Geomagnetic field are two more variables subject to debate. However, there is evidence to suggest that the strength and frequency of some manifestations are affected by these factors.

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• this point, it is necessary to determine the perimeters of the investigation and to establish the baselines. You cannot identify an anatomy, if the ambient conditions are not known. Make a record of all equipment to be used to measure this event and list any special conditions or settings.
  
• Draw a map of the site. Walk a grid and record starting levels of EMF, Ambient temperature, noise and light levels. Sample readings should be made in several places according to the layout of the room or site. Note any “problem” spots such as power outlets, alarm sensors, windows, heating or cooling vents and reflective surfaces. Record the location of all readings on the map.
  

• Note the location of any fixed equipment. For example if Still Camera 1 is placed in the north corner of a room, indicate the location. Remember, misidentified equipment often leads to false positive indicators.
  
  

• After the fixed monitoring arrangements are handled, it's time to do a walk through with equipment such as Infrared camcorders, digital recorders, EMF detectors, etc. Once again, record any “interesting” locations on the map.
  
  

• Take initial photographs, a record of the site before the session begins. Make sure you have considered angles, lighting, obstructions and any other conditions that could have an impact on your observations.
  
  

• Record the location of all people/staff on the investigation site. You don’t want to obtain a really intriguing picture of a shadowy figure and later discover that it is an unintended portrait of one of the staff.

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• Take a number of readings in sample locations throughout the site. It is recommended that these readings are spaced at regular intervals. Record the locations on the map, and note the values in the baseline readings chart of your log.
  
  

• After the baselines are established, walk through the site with any sound recording equipment you will use. Later, if any anomalies are recorded, it is possible to compare these initial readings with any data collected during the surveillance. Allow several minutes in each location are as always, record the location of these initial data collection sessions.
  
  

• Next, walk through the location with a video recording device. Move slowly. Do not zoom in and out. Make verbal comments (to be recorded on the devices soundtrack) as necessary to fully document the site. Do not rely on your memory to recall details later. If any interesting or potential “action” points are recorded, note these places on the location map.
  
  

• Use a tape measure to record the area of the actual spaces or room sizes. Place this information in the baseline information list and on the Master Map as necessary.
  
  

• Use a compass to record actual directions - North, South, Etc. This information is much less ambiguous than Left, Right, up down and so on. In other words, make a note about the "NORTH wall" rather than “the wall to the left.”
  
  

• Use chalk to record the position of any movable objects that may be affected. Take special note of any objects owned or cared for by a deceased person and anything that has been reported as having moved in the past.

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• It is time to bring in your equipment, batteries and back-up power sources, extension cords, mounts and other necessary items from your toolbox. Create an investigative web and establish communication covering the entire site. If you have identified any hot spots, you may want to consider extra equipment and concentrated surveillance in that area.
  
• Establish a base in one location and keep all of your equipment there when it is not in use. In addition, anyone not directly performing operations should stay near the base
  
• Check measurements on your instruments at regular intervals. Record all readings and the times at which they are taken. Compare these readings to the baseline data and make special note of any off scale indications – both above and below baseline.
  
• Gather general evidence and other data. Actually, this is more or less the boring part where you and your team sit quietly while the raw information is being collected. This step may last anywhere from a few hours to as many as several days.
  

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•  Once you've collected all of your evidence and the surveillance is complete, it's time to wrap-up, break down your equipment and clean up any "evidence" that you were there.
  
  

• This is also an ideal time to say farewells to your clients (and perhaps to the spirits you have encountered) and explain to you clients how you will review and summarize the data.
  
  

• Alert them that you'll be contacting them shortly to schedule a time to go over the results of your investigation.
  
  

• Securely pack your equipment and head home. Make sure, when you leave, the site is exactly the way it was when you arrived. As they say, take nothing but your data and leave nothing but footprints. And you may want to clean up all the footprints…

• Use the last section of each report to summarize your experiences. Be as consistent as possible. For example, in the reference section of this journal you will find guidelines for 5 possible stages of encounters. Assigning a value to an event, even if it is somewhat subjective, is very valuable. You must be consistent.
  
  No two paranormal investigative groups operate from the same perspective or use the same methods and procedures. You need to quickly decide what your approach will be and how you view the paranormal. You need to clearly define your goals and opinions and make sure that you operate within factual, repeatable, clearly stated boundaries

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