Ethics, Safety & Legal Considerations Flashcards

A paranormal investigator is filming in a state where all parties must consent to being recorded. A third party walks into the frame unexpectedly. What should the investigator do?

Answer: Stop recording until the person is informed and consents, or leaves the area

In all-party consent (two-party) states, recording must stop or the unconsenting individual must leave before recording can legally resume.

When investigating a property where a violent crime occurred, which psychological safety measure is most important for the investigation team?

Answer: Provide pre- and post-investigation psychological debriefing opportunities

Exposure to crime scenes or trauma locations can have psychological effects, making debriefing sessions critical for team mental health.

An investigator posts a photo from a private residential investigation on Instagram without the homeowner's permission. This action violates which principle?

Answer: The principle of client confidentiality and privacy

Sharing client property images without permission violates client confidentiality and privacy, which are core ethical obligations.

What is the primary purpose of a pre-investigation safety walkthrough?

Answer: To identify and document physical hazards before the team enters the dark

A pre-investigation safety walkthrough identifies structural hazards, tripping risks, and environmental dangers before the team operates in low-light conditions.

Under what circumstances may a paranormal investigator legally access sealed or abandoned government property?

Answer: Only when written permission is obtained from the appropriate government authority

Government property requires explicit written authorization from the managing agency regardless of vacancy status or posted signage.

Which of the following is an example of conflict of interest an ethical paranormal investigator should avoid?

Answer: Recommending a specific paranormal remediation service from which you receive a referral fee

Recommending services for personal financial gain without disclosing this relationship constitutes a conflict of interest that undermines client trust.

A team member wants to provoke a reportedly aggressive entity using offensive language to elicit a response. What should the lead investigator do?

Answer: Prohibit the tactic as it is unethical and may escalate danger

Provocation techniques that use offensive language are generally considered unethical, potentially dangerous, and harmful to the investigative environment.