How to Become a Paranormal Investigator in Missouri

Investigating the paranormal takes both a scientific approach and an open mind.

Paranormal investigation has become both a fun hobby and full-time career for many thanks in part to the popularity of such television shows as Ghost Hunters and Paranormal State. Paranormal investigators research ghosts, hauntings and other paranormal activity nationwide by visiting suspect locations, studying gathered evidence and interviewing witnesses both in person and through phone consultations. Investigators use a variety of tools and skills, including high-tech equipment, psychosocial examinations and knowledge of spiritual, religious and supernatural theories. But what does it really take to become a paranormal investigator, especially in the state of Missouri?

Instructions

1. Study investigations that have already been conducted. A prerequisite of the world's top paranormal investigation teams, such as TAPS and the Paranormal Research Society, is that its members have an interest in the paranormal and are willing to maintain a healthy balance of skepticism and open-mindedness. Visit your local branch of the library for books on the paranormal. Watch television documentaries such as "A Haunting" on the Discovery Channel. Visit websites such as midmissouriparanormalinvestigators.com to read accounts of past investigations in the state.

2. Take a college course in a related topic. There are currently no accredited colleges that offer majors for paranormal investigators, but colleges such as the University of Missouri, St. Louis Community College and Metropolitan Community College offer courses in physics, philosophy and religious studies, which can be beneficial to the study of the paranormal.

3. Train alongside experienced investigators. Most paranormal research groups require little to no experience and welcome entry-level members. Contact an established paranormal research group such as Missouri Paranormal or PRIOM (Paranormal Research Investigators of Missouri) and ask if you can participate in an investigation to gain experience. Chances are, they will either say yes or can refer you to another group that will.

4. Purchase equipment. Paranormal research groups also tend to welcome people who have their own equipment, such as digital cameras or digital voice recorders, but it is not always necessary to own such equipment. You should also be willing to take responsibility for and to use higher tech equipment, such as EMF readers and computers, if you join a research team.

5. Conduct your own investigation. If you live outside of an area that has an organized group of paranormal investigators, you can always form such a group yourself by advertising for like-minded individuals on local forums or in the local newspaper. You can also embark on a solo investigation. Experiment by investigating a local graveyard. Take a digital voice recorder and ask questions such as "Is anyone here?" while recording. Visit and research the history of specific haunted sites in your area. Ttheshadowlands.net offers a listing of reputed haunted locations throughout Missouri.

Tips & Warnings

• Requirements for joining paranormal research teams vary but often include dependability, transportation and a willingness to travel, respect for others' property and proof that you are drug-free and have no history of mental illness.

• Active groups across the state have websites that often advertise when new members are needed. There are at least 10 active paranormal investigation teams in the state of Missouri, with more becoming both inactive and active each year. The most recognized groups are PRISM Paranormal - St. Louis Paranormal Investigators, the St. Louis Paranormal Investigation and Research Interest Team, and Ghosts and Haunts in Missouri.

• It's best to work with an experienced investigator before performing any paranormal investigation to make certain you are not violating trespassing laws, understand how to complete an investigation and before you advertise for clients.

References

• The Society for Paranormal Investigations
• PRISM Paranormal - St. Louis Paranormal Investigators
• The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS): Requirements

Resources

• The Shadowlands: Missouri Haunted Locations
• Missouri Paranormal