What are the problems facing the paranormal community today?

Dave: As a young group ourselves, this answer is going to sound a bit satirical, but here goes. I believe that the greatest problem the paranormal community faces today is the exponential growth of the paranormal community itself. With new groups springing up weekly, the nation is becoming saturated with paranormal ‘researchers’. It is not that an abundance of groups isn’t always a bad thing, in theory; we can all learn, share and grow together. In reality though, this equates to groups; trespassing on private property without permission, inundating owners of purported haunted venues with requests to investigate, and as there are no minimum standards to which groups must adhere, a bunch of poorly trained, well intentioned but misguided groups representing the paranormal community as a whole.

As anyone connected with serious paranormal research can tell you, this line of work can attract individuals that are, as I like to put it, “just a bit left of center”. By this I mean, “friggin weird. And while it takes all kinds to make the world go around, when these individuals find each other and start a paranormal research team, it becomes a big problem for the serious groups.

When we are contacted by a client to help them with something they can’t comprehend, we step into their lives. This is something we take quite seriously. We are there to improve their lives and how we conduct ourselves and the professionalism we show speak not just for us, but for paranormal research as a whole. When a group looking for no more than a thrill ride, act in this capacity, it is a roadblock to the rest of us.

If you are reading this and are considering starting a paranormal research group, my advice is this. First, determine why and for whose benefit are you doing this. It is okay to have goals for yourself in paranormal studies, but foremost, the clients’ needs must be your focus. Secondly, don’t either present yourself as an expert in the field, or believe that you know everything about the paranormal that you need to know. I recommend doing your homework, studying as many books on the subject as you can and signing on with an experienced group to learn the trade from the inside out.


Jake: I think one of the biggest problems facing the paranormal community is the lack of believers. Far be it for me to chastise anyone for not believing in ghosts because I’m not religious, and there are many parallels between the two. But one of my biggest beefs is that paranormal investigators cannot always be trusted. PPS is a grassroots group of people dedicated to learning about what may be awaiting us after earthbound life, and if we can help others who are scared along the way, then even better. But shows like Paranormal State and Ghost Hunters, both of which are very much focused on the entertainment side of paranormal investigating, one must wonder if all of us are a bunch of head cases. The fact is that until someone actually “sees it to believe it,” a ghost still looks like Casper.

Rex: It seems to me that the main problem facing paranormal investigators is also in some ways a blessing. The popularity of this field has grown so much in recent years, mainly because of tv shows like Ghost Hunters and Paranormal State. Shows like this have done a lot to bring our beliefs into the open and allow home/business owners to come forward without fear of being ridiculed. With that also came a surge of “Paranormal Investigators” most of these spur of the moment groups are mainly just a gathering of thrill seekers who break into cemeteries and private property in order to conduct an investigation. Sadly these groups have made it 100 times harder to allow admittance into some of these places. The other problem is that some of the more famous “haunts” have been inundated with requests to do investigations that they have resorted to charging large sums of money for a group to spend 1 night. A lot of groups out there will gladly pay these fees just for the chance to say “I investigtated <insert haunted location here>” We at PPS do not condone tresspassing in the name of investigation, nor will we pay someone to investigate. We feel that our reputation will speak for itself and that the satisfaction of our clients is more valuable than the quantity of “famous” haunts we investigate.

In recent years EMF detectors have become used more and more during paranormal investigations, most skeptics believe that these meters are useless for determining paranormal activity. How valuable or reliable is EMF detection to an investigation?

Dave: The use of EMF and other detectors, and this includes K-2 Safe Range meters, tri-field meters, Geiger counters, compasses, etc., basically are all looking for the same thing, and that is the presence of energies. We at PPS employ the use of digital readout EMF meters extensively in both pre-investigative site work and during our debunking efforts. Often seemingly paranormal occurrences to the client can be eliminated by dealing with abnormally high EMF causing electrical items. We often dispute reported feelings of paranormal feelings in the bedroom by finding that alarm clocks within a foot of the clients head as they sleep, are cranking out 60+mG. Individuals, especially those who have low EMF tolerance can experience many symptoms such as: paranoia (especially the feeling of being watched), tingling, itching, headaches, etc. that can often be mistaken for something paranormal.

We use both the digital EMF gauge and the K-2 Safe Range Meters during our investigation to compare the area for fluctuations of electro-magnetic readings as compared to our base readings for the same area. It has been shown that entities need to draw energy from their surroundings in order to become visible, or otherwise make themselves known. This ‘drawing of energy’ creates pockets of recordable EMF fluctuations that is used to substantiate personal experiences.

There is a danger though in over-relying on any piece of investigative equipment. A recent case we were on had apparent K-2 fluctuations that timed nicely with the issuance of questions asked by investigators. If we relied on the K-2 hits as concrete evidence, we would have been speaking to the spirit of a nineteen year old, freshman, basketball player that died while attended the college we were investigating. When in reality, our investigators discovered that the college’s Wi-Fi access points surveyed for IP requests every fifteen seconds; approximately the length of time we had asked a question and thought we received an answer.

Tools of the paranormal trade are only as useful as the skills of the investigator. I am very wary of groups who immediately report EMF fluctuations as proof-positive of paranormal evidence without any other corroborating evidence

Jake: EMF detectors are certainly not THE tool for finding paranormal hot spots, but the instrument is extremely useful in its ability to find spikes in EMF readings, which can guide investigators toward where activity may be taking place or beginning to formulate. In my opinion it would be very misguided for any paranormal team to place too much stock into one instrument because EMF detectors, mini DV’s, thermals, etc., each play a part in either proving or debunking paranormal activity.

Rex: I think the problem that a lot of groups have is that they use EMF the same way that one would use a barometer, gauging spikes as definitive proof that paranormal activity is happening. I believe this is where skeptics have a problem with EMF meters being used as an investigation tool. At PPS we measure EMF levels throughout all aspects of the investigation. We take baseline readings to determine the “normal” levels of a given location noting anything that causes high EMF levels. This also helps us debunk some claims, since common household items or bad wiring can cause “EMF sickness” which includes paranoia, dizziness, skin irritation and many other symptoms that could be mistaken for paranormal activity. During the investigation we continue to monitor EMF and graph this data and can see if it measures up with our evidence(which is time stamped). When this data and our evidence overlaps it gives more support to the theory that EMF levels are affected by a paranormal presence.

From time to time we receive questions from various people, this is one of those questions along with our answer.

I was wondering if ghosts/spirits/entities are able to follow people?

It depends on the circumstances. In some cases a family member is hanging around, this is what we call a visitation haunting. These type of hauntings usually happen immediately after death and slow down over time. Although they can last longer and happen to several family members(sometimes at once) over long distances.

Other situations where an entity may “follow” revolve around an object not a person. There have been many cases where people who have bought used items at flea markets or antique shops, start experiencing paranormal phenomena after bringing these items home. Hauntings occur due to an attachment, this may be to a house, location, person or an object.

If you have questions about the paranormal send an email to help@pasadenaparanormal.com

Since becoming a paranormal investigator what is the one thing that has surprised you the most about this field?

Dave: This was a tough question for me. Not because I haven’t been surprised during my time investigating the paranormal, but choosing the one thing that stands out above all other surprises was difficult to isolate.

My expectations that we wouldn’t ever obtain evidence has been pleasantly surprising. While video evidence has been fleeting, the volumes of EVP evidence has been outstanding. While I expected to possibly log one, or two actual EVPs as some televised investigations obtain, we exceed 20 (+) class B, or better EVPs on every case.

The professionalism of the paranormal groups I have researched has been an unpleasant surprise. While there are good groups out there, they are few and far between. We deal with clients whose lives are being adversely affected by what they are experiencing. To think that groups with questionable; character, methods and mentality are responsible for improving the lives of their clients, scares me.

But if I had to choose the one thing that has had the most impact in my life since I entered into this field, it would be this. That the communication we receive from entities that are no longer in the physical provide, to me at least, proof that the soul does indeed survive death. I believe that the promises made to us in the Bible of everlasting life continue to be proven through these communications. I hope as other researches do that one day we will perfect the ability to have two-way communication with the spirit world and through that, a better idea of what lies in store for us in all our futures.

Jake: Since joining PPS in October, I’ve been involved in a really productive investigation in Pasadena as well as a very long 21-hour investigation in Towson. I think two things have really surprised me so far.

First, investigating can be horribly uneventful, but never boring. Much of what is found during investigations comes in the form of an EVP, so physically hearing or seeing evidence is rare, and is usually only uncovered during the analysis, days and sometimes weeks later. But it’s never dull … when you’re not actually in the process of investigating, you have the opportunity to run the tech center and watch the live video feeds as well as audio. You absolutely get a different perspective on the things that go bump in the night when you’re running tech.

Secondly, the level of professionalism and the lengths that PPS is willing to go to in efforts to debunk evidence as opposed to simply accepting it without discussion has surprised me. Nobody on our team hears a noise during investigation and says, “Did you hear that ghost?” We will recreate instances and then thoroughly analyze it during analysis (as we did just last weekend) before we ever introduce it to the client.

Rex: I guess the biggest surprise for me is how accustomed to evp I have become. I remember the first time I heard a voice on my recorder, I got chills and this rush of excitement. Now when I go back to listen to that recording I kind of think “that sucks.” It takes a lot more to impress me now but what really surprises me is that this is a voice from beyond and it doesn’t phase me at all.

The official stance of PPS in regards to provoking is that we will not provoke during a residential investigation. We do not want to cause any more problems for the homeowners by making a spirit angry. The question is, how do you feel about provoking as a method of getting a spirit to react? is it safe in some cases or should it never be used?

Dave: This question is an important one as it defines what role the paranormal investigator plays in the lives of others. PPS does not provoke a spirit in the attempt to cause the activity level to increase so that we can obtain evidence. Our role as paranormal investigators are to investigate the reported activity in the home, or business and try to determine whether the cause is normal, or paranormal. If we do determine the activity is not of earthly origin, we educate the client as to what we believe is happening and support them as needed on an ongoing basis. To date, no client has requested that we come to their location to “Stir up the entities.”

I believe that an investigator that provokes an entity in the attempt to capture evidence of its presence is there for their own benefit, and not that of the client. Paranormal Investigators must remember that we get to go home after the investigation. Our actions and efforts that we leave behind should adhere to the outcome the client anticipates. It is one of the most important traits that determines the professionalism and purpose of the group.

This is why we are so meticulous in determining the activity level frequency and duration when deciding if a full investigation is warranted. If there has been no activity for six months, what benefit would we provide in disrupting the property owner for the duration of the investigation and then leaving empty handed? Groups need to provide a service that is congruent with what the property owner experiences on a normal day, without provoking the entity to react. Remember, there is a difference in asking the entity to provide evidence of their presence and that of telling the entity that its mother was a drunken slut, in an attempt to coax it out. The ultimate goal is to educate the client that they can live with what is there without compounding the problem.

Jake: Provoking a spirit should be considered in the same manner one would consider provoking a human or an animal. While we think we might be able to predict the reaction of a person or animal — or entity — during provocation, the technique is only as smart as the investigators using it.

And maybe provoking a spirit works 99% of the time. Lord knows that Steve Irwin (The Crocodile Hunter) had a very good track record with sneaking up on animals and using his lack of fear to get up close and personal with an array of dangerous animals. But the one time it backfired, it was fatal. If investigators use provocation and it works 99% of the time, that means that there is still someone out there who now has not only the original haunting, but maybe an open Pandora’s Box of other activity, and that is not fair to them. The investigators are able to leave the home at some point, but the residents will have to deal with any potential fallout.

While I think provoking spirits is effective toward drawing them out into the open, it’s not effective for the proper dismissal of spirits from someone’s home.

James: I believe in the same methods of pps. One cannot be sure of what it is that is affecting a resident. If we piss it off who knows what that could do.

Rex: I am in complete agreement with the PPS stance, we can never be completely sure of the consequences that could occur due to provocation. I have seen succesful and unsuccessful attempts of provoking, meaning that it gets a response, and basically it gives about the same success rate as not provoking. With that in mind its not worth the risk to endanger yourself, your team-mates or your clients, after all they have to return to the location while you get to leave.

We will be starting something new here at PPS, we will post a daily topic for discussion. The idea is to provide our site visitors some insight as to our views on various paranormal topics. There will be a topic or question provided as well as answers from some of our team members. If you would like to add anything please click the topic title, you will be redirected to the official blog page where you can comment.

Today’s question
What are your thoughts on ouija boards? Something evil, a useful paranormal tool or just a kids toy?

The official PPS stance on this topic is that we do not endorse the use of Ouija Boards for use by anyone. That being said, a few of our team members have their own feelings on this topic.

Dave: The common theory is that by employing the board and summoning a spirit response to their questions, individuals could unknowingly invite an entity into their home. I do not know if there are any documented cases of this happening, but it is a common belief among many in the paranormal field. I do not believe it is the board itself that is to blame, but more than likely it is the single act of several people soliciting an entity to respond to them. We as investigators basically perform the same function during EVP recording sessions; however our line of questioning is not as open ended to include a request for any entity that does not already inhabit the area.

The danger with any attempt to communicate with spirits is that we are dealing with the unknown. Experienced paranormal investigators will protect themselves with a preliminary prayer asking God for protection from negative, malevolent entities. Inexperienced, freelance investigators and homeowners may via the Ouija Board, or their own recorders get more than they bargained for. The sheer number of people inspired by the proliferation of Paranormal themed television shows grows everyday, so I anticipate the reports of entity activity to grow as well.

The main thing I would like to impress upon anyone either considering using a device such as a Ouija Board, or starting their own paranormal investigations is this; do your homework. By this I mean educating themselves with all the information they need to follow current safe practices and possibly prevent causing a problem where one may have never existed before.

Jake: Ouija boards are a completely manufactured tool of the trade — literally! How can something that is made by Parker Brothers attract anything paranormal? I could never take a Ouija board seriously, unless we drag it out after a “spirited” game of Hungry Hungry Hippos. Considering a Ouija board as a tool for communicating with the paranormal is the same as considering a Cabbage Patch Kid as an actual child. My apologies to Xavier Roberts!

Rex: There are a lot of people out there that believe that they should not be
used because it could invite the wrong kind of spirits(demonic or evil) while this theory could very well be true most of these people have no problem with conducting an EVP session. To me communicating with the dead in any form could bring in anything unwanted.

I don’t personally feel that an experienced person would have any more trouble with a ouija board than a recorder. The main problem I have with ouija board is that the human element involved creates way too much room for error or false results. With evp at least it is possible to completely remove the human element or discount any voices that are similar to those who were present at time of recording.