As paranormal investigators our greatest obstacle is public perception. Some think we are just plain crazy, others think that we are more than that. Others think we are demon-worshippers, waiting patiently for the next opportunity to sacrifice a child to whatever deity we prefer. Others think we are nothing but a bunch of disrespectful punks who ramble around graveyards knocking over tombstones and taking pictures. The truly disturbing aspect is that this last image is perpetuated by people claiming to be paranormal investigators.

If I were to pick one quality that EVERY true paranormal investigator MUST posses, it is RESPECT. Both for the deceased and the living.

If you are investigating a cemetery, remember: these are not just rocks and stones and corpses. These are people's mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, sisters, brothers, daughters and sons. How would you want others to treat the people you care about? If there is paranormal activity in a cemetery, defacing tombs is not going to profit you at all. In fact, if you do this I hope something nasty attaches itself to you and follows you home, but that's me... This activity is totally unnecessary and when a location shows a history of this, no investigator will be allowed to enter, peacekeeping patrols will be increased, and anybody caught on the grounds will be escorted out or arrested. Just one example of how what one "investigator" does affects us all. If you pray before, during, or after an investigation, remember the souls of those buried there. Do not shout, play loud music, or do anything else that would be considered a nuisance by the neighbors. The people there are dead, not deaf. Remember: these are the people who came before you. They are your history and heritage. Someone else cares deeply about those interred here and would be very upset to see their loved ones disrespected in any manner. Those buried there did their best in their short time to make your life better, and they deserve reverence, not contempt.

If you are investigating a structure, remember, this structure is a home. Even if it is abandoned, it is a home to something that will probably protect it. High noise levels, removal of pieces of the structure, breaking-and-entering, etc. - these are all highly disrespectful acts that are likely to get you and other investigators banned from the location. Once again, the spirits there are a part of our history and heritage.

There is also the matter of respect for the living. Do you want to pay your respects to your mother and find out that someone has smashed her tombstone? Do you want to find her grave littered with beer cans? I doubt it. Do you want to enter your grandfather's house and discover that someone else has been there recently without your permission? I doubt that, too. Paranormal investigating is not a game. If you are seeking a thrill I suggest you take up bungee-jumping or skydiving.

Always get proper permission before entering a haunted location or proceeding into restricted areas, for your own safety if for no other reason. Always be mindful of Federal, state and local laws, and conduct yourself within those limits. If everyone who calls themself a paranormal investigator would abide by these guidelines, many more haunted locations will open their doors to us.

I cannot stress enough. Breaking and entering, vandalism, destruction of property, these are crimes and have no place in an investigation. They are crimes against both the living and the deceased. This story is typical of what is happening nationwide, and true paranormal investigators are tired of hearing it: "I would love to let you check out our phenomena, but with all of the (take your pick: vandalism/robbery/destruction/breaking-and-entering) that we've seen lately I'm afraid to let anyone else in to see it. I'm sorry, but I have to deny your request." I ask everyone who views this article to do what they can to halt this disturbing trend.  

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