MCG Policy and Procedures

Code of Conduct

As a member of the My Cincy Ghost, it is your duty to remember that before, during, and after an official investigation you are not only representing yourself, but your team and the entire organization as well. Failure to follow the codes as set forth by the Directors will result in the termination of your membership. Also be aware that an official My Cincy Ghost function cannot be performed without a expressed written/verbal consent of a Dan Conners.

The onsite team leader makes all decisions concerning the investigation. No matter what, please direct all questions from the media, police and others to the onsite team leader unless the team leader has informed you otherwise prior to the start of the investigation.

You Must:

• Always conduct your investigations in a professional manner • Research cases before charging into them

• Respect posted property, ask permission and not trespass • Remove or wear the camera strap so it does not hang loose

• Keep fingers and long hair away from the lens of the camera • Remove all dust, spots, fingerprints from camera lens

• Show reverence and respect in cemeteries, battlefields, etc • Always use fresh audio tapes for EVP recordings

• Always use fresh video tapes when filming

• Remember that your flash is only good for 9-12 feet from camera so focus on that range

• Maintain a Positive Mental Attitude, as it is very important for all investigations. Skeptical minds will generate negative energy during an investigation.

• Try to be emotionally calm and stable at all times. Fear causes more trouble for you and the group.

• Go in small groups, not more than 10, and no fewer then 2.

• Leave everything exactly as you found

• Must bring your ID (driver's license, etc.)

• Let someone who is not part of the group know where your location is. You

Must Not:

• consume alcohol, use Ouija boards or conduct séances at any time during an investigation if on the site.

• Take photos during adverse weather conditions (rain, mist, fog, snow, windy/dusty conditions, etc.), walking or driving on dusty roads.

• Take photos into the sun, with a flash at shiny or reflective objects, or if foreign objects (dust, fluff, etc.) are in the area.

• Run or participate in horseplay in cemeteries or historical sites.

• Litter—this means ANYTHING you brought in with you.

• Wear bright clothing.

Investigating:

Check out the area in daylight so you are familiar with it, whether you already know that the location is haunted or you suspect it to be. Look for dangerous places and obstacles that you will not be able to see in the dark. Look for trespassing signs. Make sure you are not trespassing. If you are on private property you are risking getting a ticket or arrested in some areas. (NOTE: You can get permission to enter many sites if you contact the owners of the property.)

Find out all you can about the history of the location before and after the investigation. Newspapers, town historians, internet and books can be helpful in finding facts and folklore about the site you are going to investigate. (NOTE: done by the researcher or assistant researcher.)

The best time for results is from 9 PM to 6 AM, but any time can produce results. Photos have historically been better in the dark but don’t be discouraged from taking photos during the day.

You need to document the investigation thoroughly. Make sure you make a log of everything that happens from the time you arrive at the site to the time you leave. Leave nothing unnoted. If you do not document then you really do not have much evidence to prove what phenomena happened at the location.

Make no conclusions.

Share no conclusions or opinions with the witnesses or owners until all the reports, photos, and tapes are reviewed. You need to see the evidence and correlate the information in your final report before you can give an educated opinion.

Keep an open mind;

any negative feelings may drive the spirits away. Be respectful of the locations, the dead, and the living. Be objective; look for causes for any phenomenon such as natural or man-made causes. As an investigator you have to make sure your final report will stand up to scrutiny.

Be eliminating

all other explanations, your evidence becomes stronger proof.

If the weather conditions are not up to par, then the lead investigator may reschedule the investigation. Changes in weather can change the outcome of an investigation, and what you may encounte.