S.P.I.R.I.T. - Society of Paranormal Investigators, Research and Information Team

 

1. Where is your team based and when was your team formed?

Our team is based in Owosso, Michigan ; which is located between Flint and Lansing. We formed in April 2009.

2. What can a client expect when they contact you?

When a client contacts us, either through our website or through telephone, we will set up a time for a telephone interview and take down what experiences they are having. From there, we talk about what we are able to do for them to get answers to what is happening in their home or business.

We then will set a date to do an investigation. We also have paperwork for the client to fill out. The waiver form is where the client selects which information we are able to release to the public on our website. Some of our clients do not want any information released and that is fine. The liability form protects our group and the home/business owner from any legal action if someone gets hurt on the premise. We take safety seriously.

3. How far do you travel for investigations?

We will travel as far as necessary for investigations, but have been in the 0-90 minute range with all of our cases thus far. If there are clients who would like to schedule in advance for an investigation requiring overnight stay, we are more than willing to travel. All of our group members work full-time, so we would like to give everyone a chance to schedule time off.

4. What is your stance on such things as "orbs" and much of the so called "ghost photos" out there on the Internet?

Orbs can be dust, water spots, and flashes of light from a reflection (if not investigated right). Orbs also can be considered balls of energy. We are veeeeeery careful not to say, “that’s an orb”. We know of groups who have dubbed orbs to be spirits, and we do not believe that every orb is a spirit, it can be just a ball of energy.

5. Does your team have a religious affiliation?

No we do not. Everyone in our group is different. Some attend services, some do not. We are all individuals with one common goal.

6. Does your team have an open or closed membership? Can people request to join you?

We have open enrollment every January. Our members follow a handbook, designed by our founder. Members also pay membership dues to be part of the team and those funds help to keep our group running. People who are interested and live within our vicinity are encouraged to apply. You may send your letter of interest with at least two references of character to spiritmi@yahoo.com. We may take on members at various times other than January, but it is put to a team vote.

7. What is the team’s motivation? Why did you form a team and what keeps you going?

The team was formed out of interest in the paranormal. Every member has their own personal reason for being a part of SPIRIT. Currently we range in age from 18-60+. We have had personal experiences outside of the cases we have worked on and are seeking to help others understand what they are experiencing. Our motivation comes from the thanks we have gotten from past clients, knowing that what we are doing IS helping people. We want to help as many people as we can and to learn and grow from our experiences.

8. What's your opinion on all the paranormal hooplah going on in the media?

From what you see on television, “ghost hunting” looks to be a thrill seeking sport. All of the “Oh my God, did you feel that” and then screaming and running away. It makes it more fantasy that it really is, they don’t show all the hours or pouring over evidence, or what it takes to set up and tear down equipment. People in general don’t realize what it takes to do what we do. You really have to love what you are doing to be part of this and keep it going.

9. Why have a team? What are the benefits to having and trying to maintain a paranormal team?

When the group started, we felt like it should be run more as a business, even though we don’t make money, other than the donations that come in. We felt there needed to be rules and regulations that all members were expected to follow. Having a team brings people together from all walks of life. We are able to learn from each other. We also are a registered business in Shiawassee County.

Our group is a little different in that, the original members, who started with us, didn’t want to have the rules, regulations and to pay dues (we were all friends). After they left the group Greg and I (Vicky), put out an advertisement for people who were interested in being part of the team—since we were fairly new. From there we received many inquires and narrowed it to the 10 members we have now, 12 including us. It helps to have a bigger team, because we are then able to go more places and have a quicker turnaround time on reviewing evidence.

The team is strong and we can rely on those members to help out whenever needed. We are very lucky to have such an excellent, talented and caring team.

10. If the entire team turned into ghosts today, what's the first thing you would all do?

I thought I would ask our team members what they would do and here are some of their answers:

Renate-“The first thing I would do is find a SPIRIT member and let them know.”

Alisa-“ If I turned in to a ghost I would go see the world all the places I want to travel to and then I would haunt my co workers at work!! “

Terressa - “If I turned into a ghost I would haunt those who made me mad and inhabit their house forever.”

Marcia - “I would haunt and torment those who had done me wrong!”

Chrystle - “If I became a ghost (and I hope I don't), I would haunt the Whitehouse and whisper in their ears at night telling them not to be such morons. Then I'd run through the Senate screaming like a banshee.”

Dan - “If I were a ghost, I would go around & prove to those who don’t believe in ghosts that they are out there.”

Leslee -“ If i were turned into a ghost for a day.. i would probably.. go around scaring people that have done me wrong and laugh about it later.. and probably go visit the people who tell me .. that I’m crazy for believing in ghosts.. so they'll actually believe.”

Vicky- “I would try and let those know who I loved dearly that I am still with them and that everything is alright…even though I’m dead!”

Tracy- “ The first thing I would do is find area 51 and see what all the secrets are about.”

Greg- “I would haunt my relatives..”

 

Please visit S.P.I.R.I.T. at their website http://www.spiritmi.org/

 

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