Do you document your investigations? If so, how do you document? I believe that planning and documenting your investigation is an essential step to ensuring that you stay on track and grow as an investigator. Even if you are just investigating for fun, you should have a place to make notes about your experience and any evidence you collect. Today, I’m going to share what goes into my investigation journal and what types of documentation I expect from my team members. 

Everyone on my team has been given a binder which is a repository of information that they can use during an investigation. Every binder includes a copy of our Bylaws and Standard Investigation Procedures. They also have a standard investigation checklist, safety protocols, and safety profiles for every member. 

In preparation for an investigation, the team meets to discuss the “Investigation Plan” document. This is where we discuss all of the details needed before ever stepping foot on the property. Things like arrival time, remaining cost, tours, and meals are set. We also review a location map and discuss equipment needs along with placement. This is a good time to brainstorm any experiments the team wishes to conduct and make a rough timeline of the investigation. I like to block out arrival, set-up, meals, and baselines so we have a feel for the flow of the investigation. 

The next document I like to have is for “Environmental Data Collection.” This form allows us to document the temperature, dew point, humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed, and any other relevant environmental data at regular points of time throughout the investigation. At the beginning of every investigation, we conduct a baseline EMF (electromagnetic field) sweep and that data is attached to the environmental form. The form also has space to record any EMF anomalies detected during the investigation so they can be compared to our baseline data. 

When we use a DVR, a “DVR Log” is placed next to the monitor for recording any anomalies that are captured during the investigation and require review. I also have a “Team Tracking” sheet at the command center so we can keep a detailed record of team movements. This is essential for evidence review and debunking. 

Every team member has what I call “Review Notes”. This is a structured sheet to guide evidence review. Members are asked to note the file name, file start time, equipment used, and anything of note that is recorded on that file. Timestamps are important for aligning several pieces of evidence to check for validity and any contamination by the team or outsiders. All of these notes are eventually combined into one file and organized into an investigation timeline. 

The documents stated above are often printed forms that can be added to our team binders. I also keep a personal journal. My personal investigation journal has a contact list, a log of investigations I have participated in, a brief overview of each investigation’s environmental data, my review notes, a journal, and notes from paranormal books I have read. This is my quick grab journal that can go with me anywhere and allows me to quickly reference information about previous cases. 

For many, this will seem like a lot of information to keep track of but I think it is vital that we accurately document what we are doing and be able to reference those notes for future investigations. At bare minimum, you should be making notes about what happened during your investigation and the evidence you have collected. I have found that reviewing my notes helps me troubleshoot problems, improve techniques, ask new questions, and formulate experiments. What we do as investigators should extend beyond the one or two nights we are on site and our documentation process makes that possible. 

I have often thought of creating a standardized journal for investigators but ultimately, I feel as though every team needs to determine what works best for them. Discuss options with your team and develop a plan so you can be consistent. In the end, I hope you have productive and successful investigations that help you grow in this field. 

Until next time, Happy Hunting!