Standards
Code of Conduct
All members must conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times when representing HPIR
ID Badges must be worn at all times during group functions.
All members must dress appropriately and professionally when representing the group. Group shirts are not required but are encouraged.
All members must respect any and all private property postings, never trespass.
Never touch, move or remove any item during an investigation that does not belong to you. If you need to move an item you must first seek permission to do so.
All members must respect others personal property, this includes fellow investigators and clients property.
Any member caught stealing will immediately be dismissed from the group.
All members must be respectful to each other during all group functions, never insult or criticize your fellow team members.
All members must respect and follow the leadership and guidance of group leaders, organizers and coordinators during all investigations.
Harassment or abuse of any type toward other members will not be tolerated.
Profanity is strictly prohibited during any investigation or at any time while representing this group.
Always show respect and reverence at all locations of historical, cultural, or religious significance.
All members must remain in groups of no less than 2 investigators at all times, no exceptions.
If you need to leave during the course of an investigation you must first notify the lead investigator.
Failure to attend four monthly meetings repeatedly will result in dismissal from the group.
Running and/or horse play on any investigation is forbidden.
Smoking during an investigation is prohibited unless in a designated smoking area
The use and/or being under the influence of alcohol or any illegal substances are forbidden during any investigation
If any member appears to be under the influence of an illegal substance or alcohol, they must immediately leave the investigation site.
You must always speak clearly and at a normal level while investigating, do not whisper.
The performance of séances during an investigation is prohibited.
You must always use fresh tapes when recording with an analog tape recorder or video camera.
All members must conduct their investigations in a professional and scientific manner.
Any and all evidence collected from personal equipment is the exclusive property of HPIR.
At the end of an investigation all evidence collected must be brought to the lead investigator and will be distributed to audio and video analysis techs for review.
All evidence is to be reviewed only by appointed evidence analysis techs.
Any member who has possession of any HPIR evidence is responsible for its care and preservation.
After the review of all evidence is complete, all video and audio evidence must be returned to group leaders for archiving.
Intentional submission of false or fabricated evidence will be grounds for immediate dismissal.
The act of withholding any evidence will be grounds for immediate dismissal.
HPIR reserves the right to immediately dismiss any member or trainee for any type of conduct that is considered unprofessional, inappropriate, disrespectful, harassing, irresponsible, abusive or illegal.
Photographic Standards
Never take photograph in adverse weather conditions such as rain, mist, fog, snow, wind or dusty conditions.
When taking pictures, always announce it by saying “flash” to avoid double flash photography.
Photographs taken from moving vehicles are prohibited.
Never fully rely on digital photography, always have a standard film camera as backup.
Always compare photos that appear to contain anomalies with their negatives in case of printing errors.
Camera flash is only effective up to 12 feet from the camera in most conditions. Avoid taking photos in the dark from any further distance than this.
Do not take photos in dusty environments, these can be easily discredited.
Make sure the camera lens is clean before each investigation. Remove all dust, spots and fingerprints.
Remove or wear the camera strap so it does not hang loose.
Do not take pictures in the direction of the sun, this can cause lens flare.
Avoid taking any photos with a flash in the direction of any shiny or reflective surfaces.
Always keep fingers away from the camera lens.
Keep hair pulled back away from the lens of the camera.
Always use a fresh video tape for video evidence.