Code of Conduct

NEARPS members follow a strict Code of Conduct during all investigations. We take a scientific approach to investigations of the paranormal and attempt to rule out all natural explanations before we label what we find to be paranormal in origin.

1. Cemeteries, buildings, houses, or any other location that we investigate will be treated with respect and left undisturbed.

2. Always treat fellow investigators with respect. Investigators are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.

3. No drugs or alcoholic beverages at any time.

4. Do not use any vulgar or profane language while in the presence of any clients or while in view of the public where your actions could reflect poorly on NEARPS.

5. No smoking on investigations as this may create false anomalies in pictures which could inadvertently lead to them being falsely labeled as paranormal in origin. On most lengthy investigations, an outdoor area will be set aside so that investigators can have a place to smoke where it will not compromise our investigation.

6. Avoid taking pictures in the rain, snow, high winds, or when fog is present. This may also cause false anomalies to appear in pictures.

7. NEARPS will not use orbs, mist, fog, etc. as evidence of the paranormal. This would be absurd as all of these anomalies can be caused by various natural means. "When in doubt, throw it out" and that is exactly what we do. There is simply nothing to be gained by labeling evidence as paranormal when it is not other than a member's dismissal from NEARPS.

8. Camera straps should be placed around the neck or wrist, or removed before a picture is taken. This will avoid the camera strap getting in front of the lens and creating false vortex-like pictures.

9. Avoid taking pictures of reflective objects, as flash reflections can cause false anomalies on film and video.

10. Be aware of dusty locations, and allow dust to settle before photographing.

11. During warmer months, be aware of insects, humidity, and pollen floating in the atmosphere. All of these can create anomalies that appear to be paranormal.

12. Always clean camera lenses and equipment before and after each investigation. Check camera lenses during an investigation and make sure they are not smudged, fogged, or dusty.

13. When taking pictures, always look for cobwebs floating in the air or stretched between two objects. Spider webs can create a line that looks like a streak of light on your picture.

14. Be aware of animals in the area. Animal eyes can reflect and cause green or orange dots on your pictures. Also be aware that when using a night shot video camera, the eyes will glow and reflect because of the infrared light.

15.    Always survey the investigation site in advance. Look for reflective surfaces, background lights, dangerous areas, places to set up equipment, and power lines or any other man-made source that might cause unusually high spikes on your EMF meter or other equipment.

16.    Never investigate alone.

17.    Set up a controlled environment when possible. Monitor everything and know where each investigator is at all times.

18.    Be extremely quiet during investigations, especially while trying to capture voices on audio tape (EVP). While silence is important, do not resort to whispering. When it is necessary to speak, do so in a loud and clear manner so as not to be mistaken for potential EVP evidence. One investigator heard whispering could result in hours of audio footage being thrown out due to contamination. We have SOP for a reason, please follow it.

19.    Avoid strong smelling colognes or perfumes. Ghost or spirits sometimes make their presence known by certain smells.

20.    Always write down time and location of any paranormal event, including any unusual smells, feelings, or noises that you might encounter. These notes may be compared later with those of other investigators to see if there are consistencies. When you tell other investigators about what you saw during the investigation, it opens them up to the power of suggestion. Write it down DURING the investigation, and go over it with your team leaders AFTER the investigation is over. IF you cannot write it down for some reason, reveal your experience verbally to team leaders, not to each other. This goes for evidence review as well. Any evidence will be revealed in a review meeting with team leaders.

21.    When trying to capture EVP, write down the natural noises you hear in the background or make a note of them on the recording so you will not confuse it with something else later. Whatever it is tag it in some way, you may not remember what it was later when doing the analysis.

22.    When trying to capture EVP, always survey the surrounding area for people, and cars parked with the radio on. Avoid doing EVP work in these areas whenever possible.

23.    Always research the history of the location that you are investigating.

24. Interview any witnesses that have experienced paranormal activity at the location being investigated. Write down, in detail, their experiences. The Director of Operations, or designated team leader, will usually delegate the interviews to someone who is trained in the interviewing process, but never assume something is unimportant, write it down or log it on a voice recorder, just in case.

25. Look at all natural explanations before labeling what you have found as something paranormal. Be skeptical but open minded. Probably one in ten thousand photos might contain something positive, the rest can be naturally explained somehow, if you look long enough for a cause.

26. Any investigator, whether male or female, with hair that is shoulder length or longer must have it pulled back before taking any photos for evidence during an investigation.

27. Dues shall be paid by every member in the amount of $5 per month. Members may also pay dues on a yearly basis in the amount of $60.

28. Members may not communicate information about any investigation to a client. This responsibility lies solely upon the Board of Directors.

29. Composure must be maintained at all times when on an investigation. If you get frightened or feel uncomfortable in an area, calmly and quietly leave the area. Running and screaming, going into hysterics will not benefit our goal of helping a client feel more at ease in their home, while paranormal activity is suspected. If composure cannot be maintained, then paranormal investigating is not for you.

30. Members who have recently attended an investigation are expected to analyze his or her own data in a timely fashion. This includes photos and audio as well as video if you have taken any.

31. All data, whether recorded with NEARPS equipment or with a member's own equipment is property of NEARPS. All data is to be transferred to the NEARPS laptop for storage before leaving the investigation site. Members should make sure that his or her personal digital equipment is capable of using USB to transfer to the laptop. If not, don't use it. The laptop is also capable of reading SD style memory cards or mini SD if you have the adaptor that comes with it. *update 6/19/2010* NEARPS has now acquired a Targus 32 in 1 memory card reader, so most any memory card can now be used including Sony brand cards like the pro stick and pro duo.

32.    NEARPS active membership is a voluntary program. In acceptance of, or by maintaining, active membership in NEARPS, you openly agree to the following:
          a. NEARPS is not responsible for any injuries you may incur at any NEARPS function.
          b. Any host (s) permitting access for a formal investigation by NEARPS is not responsible for any injuries you may incur while at the location of investigation.
          c. You, as an active member, accept full responsibility for your individual actions and well being at any NEARPS function.

33. No active member may communicate, by verbal, written or other means, to any person or organization on behalf of NEARPS unless permission has been given by the Board of Directors. Any communication you may have with individuals and/or organizations not a part of this group is strictly of a personal nature. Should any individual or organization request comments on behalf of NEARPS, they should be directed to the NEARPS Board of Directors. No information may be conveyed to anyone outside of NEARPS unless it appears on the nearps.com website or it is released by a member of the NEARPS Board of Directors.

34. All members are to adhere to the bylaws, guidelines and Code of Conduct set forth by NEARPS. If you have any specific questions about our guidelines, it is your responsibility to ask someone in authority. Any active member who demonstrates ignorance of NEARPS protocols, guidelines and/or codes of conduct will be subject to immediate dismissal from the organization.

35.    All active members are encouraged to provide suggestions for future investigations.
          a. Should such a suggestion refer to an indoor site, the NEARPS Director of Information will be accountable for sending a proposal letter to the person (s) responsible for the location (unless you know the host personally). Please be sure to provide us with all necessary information regarding the suggested location.
          b. If an outdoor location is suggested, active members are asked to inform us of any situations possibly limiting our access. (i.e. "No Trespassing" signs, locked gates, etc.) Such limitations would require a proposal letter.

36. The name NEARPS or Northeast Arkansas Paranormal Society may not be used by anyone without the express written consent of the NEARPS Board of Directors.

37.    Any personal investigation (s) conducted by active member (s) will not be deemed as organizational functions unless:
          a. The NEARPS Director of Investigations is present at the event; or
          b. Someone has been temporarily appointed by the NEARPS Director of Investigations as group/function leader and/or spokesperson in our absence; and
          c. The event was orchestrated through the NEARPS Board of Directors.

38. Membership in NEARPS does NOT guarantee you a place on the investigation team that conducts every investigation. On many investigations, not every member is needed. In this case, the members with the most participation points will be awarded a spot on the team. (Refer to rules #40 and #41 also)

39. A written report is expected of all members who attend an investigation. All reports should comply with the report format provided for you, and should be turned in to the NEARPS Director of Investigations within two weeks following the date of the investigation.

40. NEARPS normally holds one member meeting each month in Northeast Arkansas (unless we inform you otherwise.) Member meetings are usually held on the 1st Friday of the month. Although meetings are not mandatory for reserve members, active members are REQUIRED to attend all group functions. Any active member with unexcused absences from 3 meetings may forfeit their active member status. They will also not acquire participation points for the meetings.

41. While meetings are not mandatory for reserve members, all members are advised to attend as many meetings and other activities as possible. Members will be awarded one (1) participation point for each activity or meeting attended. The members with the most points awarded will take first priority when filling spots for investigations where there are not enough active members available. Points are awarded for training exercises, as well.

42. NEARPS normally holds at least 1 scheduled investigation each month, usually in Northeast Arkansas. Investigations are usually held on Friday evenings. Investigation team slots will be filled by Charter and Active members, followed by reserve members with the most participation points.

43. Go into every investigation with an open mind. We treat every location as if it is NOT haunted and let the evidence prove otherwise. A location is not labeled haunted by NEARPS unless OUR evidence shows otherwise.

44. NEARPS members will NOT undermine, or attempt to undermine, the authority of his or her respective team leaders, or of any member of the Board of Directors.

45. NEARPS members will NOT intentionally discredit, or attempt to discredit the NEARPS organization or any of its members in any way, shape, form or fashion. The NEARPS Board of Directors has the final say on whether or not a piece of evidence is to be presented to the client or to the public as paranormal in nature.

46. We do not speak of Satan, demons, possession, or any other form of malevolence when the term is not relevant to the case at hand. This does not serve to alter the clients frame of mind or help to put them at ease. We do not enter a clients home to show off what we know or think we know. We are there to help them understand what is happening in their homes and to come to terms with it. They do not need to hear stories of myths and legends, if any information needs to be conveyed to the client, it will be done by a member of the Board of Directors or a duly appointed representative. In short, if a team leader or Director has not specifically asked you to convey information to a client, don't! This directive only applies to topics which pertain to the paranormal. You may converse about any other topics.

47. All members are hereby notified that any infractions of these rules MAY and very likely WILL result in immediate dismissal.

48. Members will receive notification of any amendment made to these rules, or to the corporations bylaws. Once notification has been made, the amendment takes effect immediately, unless the notification states otherwise.

Written by Charles Crow, Director of Operations @ Northeast Arkansas Paranormal Society and approved by the Board of Directors