CAPI Outdoor/Cemetery Investigation Protocols
The Calgary Association of Paranormal Investigations no longer performs educational cemetery walks. The purpose of these 'hunts' was to evaluate potential members and educate them on certain protocols. We decided to end this practice because we found that we got cold and could learn much more indoors. The following guidelines are intended for those who want to perform a cemetery walk by themselves or with friends. Always dress appropriately for weather conditions. Bring a flashlight and extra batteries.
Some of the protocols outlined below are still used in regular CAPI investigations.
- Have everyone meet near the location and decide who will work each piece of equipment and divide into teams if necessary. Do not load film or tapes yet.
- Enter the site and, either privately or as a group, ask for blessing or protection for the duration of the hunt. We encourage everyone to take the 10 seconds this takes and do this. What can it hurt? It's better to be safe than sorry. Many believe that there are evil spirits in areas such as cemeteries and by saying a 10 second prayer you can safely go about your business without worrying about them. Simply keeping a positive frame of mind will also work well.
- Walk around the area to get a feel for the surroundings and allow the spirits to get a feel for you. Do this for about 20 minutes. Log in your start time and weather conditions and any other relevant information. You can also begin to set up any stationary equipment like cameras on tripods. Make note of any areas that may cause you to get false readings or false positive pictures.
- Open all your film and tapes and load the cameras and recorders. Now go out there and get some pictures and recordings.
- Be sure to note anything unusual that happens, especially meter and temperature readings, visual sightings and strange sounds. Also make notes of any feelings or emotions you feel that may be odd or out of place. You can compare notes after the hunt and look for similarities in readings and feelings in certain areas or at certain times.
- Whether you stake out a spot or you walk around, try to give everyone the opportunity to try everything and be everywhere. This keeps everyone fresh and at attention. Rotate a few times during the hunt if possible.
- When you are done, have everyone meet in one spot and ask the spirits there not to follow you home and to remain where they are. Again this takes 4 seconds, it's simple and it can save you some potential problems down the road. If we are wrong about these prayers at the beginning and end of the hunt and they are not necessary, then you have wasted 14 seconds of your time. If we are right about them, you may have saved yourself from a lot of problems and grief.
Outdoor/Cemetery Investigation Preparation
Check out the area in daylight so you are familiar with the area. Look for dangerous places and obstacles that you will not be able to see in the dark.
Make sure you are not trespassing. Look for "No Trespassing" signs. If you are on private property you are risking getting a ticket or arrested in some areas. Some property owners have guns. You can get permission from many owners and/or caretakers. If the owners/caretakers refuse, accept this and walk away.
An idea in small towns or rural areas is to notify the local Police that you will be in a graveyard "taking pictures" so they are aware of your presence. If you are asked to leave, do so immediately. You will not win this argument and you will make other investigators look bad if you make a scene.
Find out all you can about the history of the locale. Newspapers, town historians, Internet sources and books can be helpful in finding folklore or hard facts about the site. The amount of books and web pages that deal with this type of information is enormous.
