examined and scrutinized to the fullest extent and the best of our ability. The West Virginia Ghost Hunters
official position is that quality is always more valuable than quantity. The West Virginia Ghost Hunters will never
make a definitive conclusion beyond the conclusion that we are unable to explain and/or recreate the
phenomena appearing in our evidence. As a group we recognize that in the field of paranormal research it is
an impossibility to declare any evidence no matter how extraordinary to be 100% paranormal in nature.
Decisions like that must always be left up to the certified experts for the good of the entire paranormal research
community.
Investigations Standards and Protocols
- The misrepresentation of contrived or doctored evidence as authentic is forbidden and will lead to
immediate removal from the W.V.G.H or its affiliate network. - The use of Ouija boards and the performance of séances on site, during or after an investigation are
strictly prohibited. - All members of the W.V.G.H. or its certified affiliates are expected to remain in groups of no less than two
(2) investigators at all times, no excuses. - The utilization of crystals, dowsing rods, and pendulums is allowed only for personal entertainment. Any
information obtained through the use of these tools will be viewed as for entertainment purposes as
well. Any information gathered through the use of the aforementioned items is never to be represented
as proof of any paranormal activity at all, to any individual. These items are never to be used on
paranormal investigations where the investigator will be visible to the client or public. - It is mandatory that all members, representatives, affiliates, and agents of the West Virginia Ghost
Hunters conduct their investigations in a professional and scientific manner. - All members of the W.V.G.H. or its certified affiliates are expected to conduct themselves in a
professional manner at all times when they are representing our group in public. - All members of the W.V.G.H. or its certified affiliates are expected to respect any and all posted and
private property, always ask permission, and never to trespass. - Smoking of tobacco products during an investigation is strictly prohibited unless there has been a
specific area designated as a smoking area. A smoking area must be at least 300 feet away from an
outdoor investigation site or 100 feet from any entrance to an indoor investigation site. - The use, as well as being under the influence, of any illegal substance is forbidden during all
investigations. If any member appears to be under the influence they must immediately leave the
investigation site. - The use of alcohol is forbidden, before and during an investigation. If any member appears to be under
the influence they must immediately leave the investigation site. - Running or horse play on any investigation is strictly forbidden. This is simply an issue of safety and will
be enforced on all investigations. - Always show reverence and respect at all locations of historical, cultural, or religious significance.
- Always use fresh audio tapes when using an analog tape recorder to capture EVP recordings because
old sounds can bleed through into your new evidence and invalidate the entire tape. - Always speak clearly at a normal level and do not whisper because whispers can be hard to discern
when reviewing audio evidence. - Never insult and or criticize an opinion expressed by any individual during an investigation. If your
opinion differs from their opinion, feel free to state your opinion in a tactful and respectful manner.
Photographic/Video Standards and Protocols
- Do not take photographs during adverse weather conditions. Adverse weather conditions consist of
conditions such as, but not limited to, rain, mist, fog, snow, windy, or dusty. - When taking a photograph announce it by saying, “Flash!” to eliminate the possibility of a double flash
photograph. - Photographs taken from moving vehicles are strictly prohibited, because they are easily discredited and
have no value to paranormal research - Camera flash is only effective from 9-12 feet from the camera under most conditions, so attempt to
refrain from taking pictures in the dark at distances in excess of 10 ft. - Photographs taken while walking on dusty roads or a dusty environment are discouraged, because they
have no value to paranormal research because they are easily discredited. - Clean and inspect the camera lens before each and every investigation and be sure to remove all dust,
spots, and fingerprints from the camera lens. Also inspect and clean the camera lens after anyone else
handles your camera equipment. - Remove or wear the camera strap so it does not hang loose which can lead to false positives.
- Taking pictures in the direction of the sun is discouraged because any picture taken in the direction of
the sun will often result lens flare. - Avoid taking photographs with a flash in the direction of any reflective or shinny surfaces.
- Keep fingers away from the lens of the camera, not only while taking a picture, but at all times because
fingerprints on the lens can invalidate all the photographic evidence you collect. - Keep long hair pulled back away from the lens of the camera at all times during an investigation.
- Always use a fresh video tape for video evidence because some photographic residue may bleed
through onto your new video invalidating all the video evidence you collect.