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IN A TIME OF PLAGUE

In light of California Governor Gavin Newsom's "shelter in place" orders, and in consideration of the guidelines set forth by the CDC to combat the spread of COVID-19, all requests for on-premises investigations will be put on hold until otherwise deemed safe to resume normal daily operations. Additionally, PPI's 2020 "Science and The Beyond" presentations scheduled at local public libraries and learning institutions in the month of October have been postponed. We are currently considering a "distance education" version of our presentations to offer instead, details of which will be made available in the coming months. In the meantime, please remember to responsibly socially distance yourself, wear your mask in public, and safeguard your health and the well-being of others. We wish all of you the very, very best. Remember to vote early by mail!

skeptical inquiry

Geiger Counter: Science oriented investigators use Geiger counters to measure anomalous readings of low-level (non-harmful) radiation thought to be one of the energies emitted by a manifesting entity. Any levels of radiation detected, whether or not they coincide with alleged paranormal activity, are recorded and published with other environmental data in the client's Investigation Report. As with changes frequently noted in other environmental conditions, no definitive evidence as yet has been acknowledged by the scientific community that draws a reliable correlation between radiation readings and paranormal activity, nor that there exists such a thing as "paranormal" energy; it is merely a working hypothesis at present. Haunting: In common parlance, when a location exhibits a pattern and a personality of paranormal activity, it is said to be "haunted." As a rule, PPI does use this word, nor do we enter into any investigation assuming that a haunting is occurring; rather, it assumes that paranormal activity is not occurring and, instead, looks for practical reasons or causes. If our findings cannot be explained, we prefer instead to classify a case as "unexplained." Phenomena associated with classic "haunting" are generally identified as Intelligent or Residual. Claims of an "intelligent haunting" are characterized by a sentience who is "attached" to the premises and interacts with it and its living occupants. Characteristics typical of a so-called "residual haunting" are rote and absentminded, as if caught in a repeating loop. A third classification, Poltergeist, remains controversial; although it resembles a haunting, it is thought by many to be a manifestation of a living mind; in consequence, it has more in common with possession, with which it suffers from similar lack of credibility. Infrared (IR) Illumination: Digital video and still shot cameras used by PPI investigators are equipped with an ability to "see" in the dark using infrared light. This feature is indispensable since virtually all investigations take place in the cover of darkness. Anomalies such as shadows and moving objects that would otherwise be unseen by the naked eye are more likely to be detected in infrared. Images and video recorded with infrared sometimes seem like they are black-and-white; this is a false color impression.

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Improper Use of Psychics

In "Improper Use of Psychics During a Paranormal Investigation," Tim Mountain "tells it like it is" about the reasons scientifically based paranormal investigating gives psychics a demoted role to play, and what the protocols of their participation should be.

PPI Podcast #8: Investigative Techniques (2011)

Part 1 of our presentation: Science & Beyond - A Look at the Science Behind 21st Century Paranomrmal Investigation - is entitled Investigative Techniques.

presented by PPI Investigator Jason Sieckman. Introduction by PPI Investigator Tim Mountain.

Recorded October 11, 2011

Length: 00:17:32