Investigation from beginning to end (long post ahead, warning)

First off I want to explain the difference between Investigation, Investigative Excursion, and Excursion. I think it is important that when asking what an investigation is from beginning to end, that we define what style of investigation we're doing. Since our approach is different when there is a client base, vs. no client base.

Investigation - A client contacts our team because they're having what they perceive as paranormal disturbances in their business or home. Assessment, contact, investigation, analysis, report and acclimation are apart of this process. In the end a report and evidence captured is given to the client.

Investigative Excursion - Our team contacts their establishment to research local folklore of an area being haunted. We set up a date to investigate, possibly multiple of times, review our evidence, and write a report for the client. This is done on our own accord; such places as Seattle Underground, Harvard Exit Theatre, etc. It's not required for a report, but we do it out of courtesy.

Excursion - No report, public area, mild investigative measures; such places as cemeteries, ghost walks, public tours, etc.


Investigation Beginning-
When a client contacts our team; we refer it to our investigations coordinator. This person is responsible for total contact with the client.  The coordinator takes the complaint, and asks series tough personal questions. This is to weed out those who are looking for "Ghost Hunters" (looking to be on television, etc) and those who may have severe mental disability or drug history. Our goal is to keep our team safe! We found that those who answer frankly and honestly, regardless of drug or mental history, are usually the ones who legitimately want an investigation done. After phone assessing the individual, the coordinator discussed the case with my husband, as to keep me in the dark since I'm the lead psychic on the team. We prefer our psychics to have no preconceived knowledge of the case, at all, what so ever!  After determining if this is a case we wish to take, the coordinator contacts the family for an assessment.

Assessment -
Two individuals, one tech / one interviewer (sensitive) go out to the home to take baseline readings and further interview the clients. They compile as much eye witness accounts, historical key points, names, and dates, anything that can be researched. The tech takes readings of every room, maps every room, and starts a tech report for the case. They set up an investigation date and time with the family/business. Our team prefers to investigate DURING the active times; meaning if it happens at noon, we'll investigate at noon, 3AM then at 3AM, etc. We don't believe that "going dark" is the key to any investigation. The key is keeping it as natural to the current environment as possible. We also try to convince the client that multiple investigations would behoove the process, as Ghosts aren't monkeys, they do not perform on command. Better results if we investigation a couple times and compare findings.

Investigation -
We keep a team of Five to Six depending on the size:

Tech Lead - Responsible for documenting all equipment set up and used, which rooms their stationed in, etc.
Tech Assistant - Assts with equipment documentation, set up, break down, changing tapes, recharging, etc.

Psychic Lead - 1st 20 mins of every investigation, psychic goes in and does a reading of the house, family, etc. Throughout the investigation they're another tool in the toolbox; letting us know when, where, what is happening that they can sense. Psychic ALWAYS has a recorder on them, to double document what is said.
Psychic Asst. - Since it is hard for a psychic to do a reading, and write reports simultaenously, the psychic asst. documents the times, locations, and events that happens around the psychic. It's a way to prevent any fraud/guesses/ etc. Also reponsible for documenting ALL NOTES NEEDED during the investigation.

Documentarian -Video documents all cases from beginning to end.

Througout the investigation, we document, record, discuss, chase, etc the case at hand. We discuss with the family what their "goal" of having our team come out is. We figure out if they have a religious approach, how they want things done, etc. We repeat the process if the investigation is multiple.

Review -
We review evidence recordings. We start the report format.

Reveal/Follow up - We follow up with the client, we hand over our findings. All which include what we feel is happening, how we think we should approach it, and a follow through processess.

Follow through with client -  We follow up with the client until their acclimated, comfortable and situated back into their home. We keep constant contact even after case is closed.

We NEVER push one agenda, our views, and only provide options, theories and approach. Ultimately it is the client's call.