The Shadow of Doubt

If you’re in the business of selling electronic gadgets, chances are you’re in a good position in the market of paranormal investigators.  Most of us are familiar with the industry standard equipment that most paranormal investigators use; EMF detectors, handheld video recording equipment, wireless audio recording devices, analog recording devices (if you’re old school), infrared technology,  thermal imaging cameras (if you have a lot of cash flow available), and of course ambient temperature thermometers.  Some of the aforementioned tools are used with no evidence that they actually record what the PI is seeking to document.  An example would be the EMF meter.  I highly recommend this article on the effectiveness of EMF meters during a paranormal investigation .   If you think outside of the box, which is thought to be an advantage in the field, you look for other, less known tools.

Although I’m not a huge fan of some of their methods, a good example of one such group always seeking to vary and change-up their equipment is the Paranormal Research Society (aka PRS, the kids on Paranormal State).  In fact on last night’s episode titled “Three Like Mine,” the team used something that we don’t see very often; lasers.  The set-up went something like this:  a series of small lights were hooked up with light sensors that  would be tripped on when it’s dark (like the often used nightlights).  Across the hallway on an opposing wall was a series of lasers that were each pointed directly at the sensors.  The idea is that if anything interferes with the laser’s beam it would block it out and its corresponding light would turn on.  In theory, this would detect any movement or passage through that hallway.  The PRS team even went the extra mile to hang plastic at each end of the hallway and blow smoke in to make the lasers visible.  Not sure why that was needed if they didn’t plan on anyone walking through that area during the investigation.  And if you’re curious, the lights did get tripped during the investigation in Indiana where the episode took place.

Another method that I don’t see used very often is the “set it and forget it” observation.  This means you set up a few pieces of equipment and walk away.  Change the tapes as needed but otherwise continue with regular activity.  This can take place over a period of days, weeks or even months.  It does mean that someone has to review this stuff periodically, which can be very time consuming, but wouldn’t the results be worth it?  Think of it this way; most paranormal investigations come up with little or no evidence after only one visit.  Most investigators will say “well you can’t get ghosts to perform on demand.”  OK, fine…so consider changing your methods.  Adapt!  If the presence of a team of investigators can shy-away any ghosts that might be lingering, then lets remove that element and see what happens.  Sometimes the results are quiet illuminating.  It’s my feeling that we may get closer to solving mysteries this way.  One drawback is the investigators’ inability to have first-hand experiences at the location.  A solution could be a combination approach.  Hold a vigil or traditional investigation once or twice and let the cameras roll for a period of time afterward.

So what do other paranormal investigators think of using this kind of equipment and approach?  Are there any teams out there who have used this approach with much success?  Drop me a line or post a comment!

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