Investigation Protocols

We believe the best way new team members can learn is by doing, observing, and asking questions. Still, we follow certain protocols when we investigate that we expect every member, satellite member, and member in training to follow. These protocols help us respect the clients' spaces, avoid evidence contamination, and work together as a cohesive unit. All of the following protocols must be in place at every investigation.

Apparel

  • When investigating (or when attending events as a representative of SSPR), full members must wear approved SSPR shirts, sweatshirts, vests, and jackets. Members in training may be required to wear name tags to help the client easily identify team members.
  • When not representing SSPR, we ask that you not wear your SSPR clothing.
  • We ask that you present a neat and professional appearance at all times you represent SSPR.
Investigations

  • All investigators must be fragrance-free on investigations. Don't wear perfume or other heavily scented products such as lotion, hair gel, etc.
  • At the outset of every investigation, we will first gather as a team to determine who goes where within the location. No team member will be allowed to wander freely throughout a location. When you do move to a different place, notify team members you will be doing so in order to avoid contaminating evidence.
  • We work in pairs on investigations in order to ensure the safety of the group. 
  • Our policy is to leave a location exactly as we found it. We bring our own snacks, utensils, napkins, drinks, etc., and take our garbage with us when we leave. We also wipe up water drips on bathroom counters, re-straighten towels, etc. 
Confidentiality

  • We maintain client confidentiality. This includes not disclosing names or addresses of locations unless specifically granted permission to do so. We don't post pictures of locations, EVPs, video, or other evidence on websites or social media without specific permission to do so. All team members wishing to post evidence need to obtain permission from Patty.
Evidence

  • All evidence collected - audio, video, photographs, etc. - on SSPR investigations is the property of SSPR.
  • We expect our members to be honest in all of their dealings with SSPR and our clients. Lying, misrepresenting facts, sharing misleading information, or falsifying evidence will not be tolerated.
  • When reviewing evidence, there are often disagreements about the interpretation of that evidence. While you are welcome to your own interpretation, we try to present evidence to our clients without interpreting it. It's okay to disagree with another's interpretation, but such discussions should be held in a professional and respectful manner.
  • We ask that you submit your evidence review within a reasonable time frame (usually 14 to 30 days after the investigation date). Clients eagerly await evidence, and we owe it to them to return it to them as quickly as possible.
  • When reviewing evidence, attention to detail is essential. Review video evidence twice  - once with just the video stream and once with just sound. In order to avoid fatigue, it is best to cut evidence review into smaller sessions instead of one, long, marathon session.
  • All evidence shall be submitted to Billi in the method and timeframe she specifies so it can be included in the clients' report.
  • Use the evidence logs we provide in order to organize and manage your evidence review.
Conduct

  • We do not tolerate language or actions that belittle any person, regardless of race, creed, color, religion, sexual orientation, or any others. Use of hate speech is grounds for immediate dismissal from the group.
  • We ask that you conduct yourself professionally when working with clients and/or representing SSPR.
  • We often co-investigate with other teams. If our team manages the investigation, we will set the protocols. If we are guests of another team, we will follow their investigative protocols.