DOCUMENTATION

INITIAL REPORT AND WITNESS INTERVIEW

Every investigation begins with the account of the person or people reporting the experience. We gather details on the nature of the activity, when it began, how often it occurs, where and under what circumstances it happens, and who has witnessed it. We also ask about photographs, recordings, videos, written accounts and the property’s history.

Whenever possible, we collect witness accounts independently, before witnesses compare recollections. We distinguish what a witness personally experienced, what they believe it means and what they heard from others. Accounts are documented in the witness’s own words wherever possible.

HISTORICAL AND BACKGROUND RESEARCH

When appropriate, we research the location’s history, including previous occupants, documented incidents and historical events, using public archives, newspapers, property records, photographs, previous investigations and firsthand accounts.

We distinguish documented history from legend, folklore and rumor. A location’s reputation may be interesting, but it is never presented as fact without supporting documentation.

Related: Our research and verification standards →

ON-SITE INVESTIGATION AND OBSERVATION

At physical locations, we document the environment where activity is reported. Depending on circumstances, this may include photo and video documentation, audio recording, sound monitoring, temperature and EMF readings, and observation of lighting, structural conditions and possible sources of unusual sounds. We focus on areas witnesses identify as active.

All equipment is identified, and readings are recorded with their location, time and conditions. Instruments can produce unusual readings for many reasons, so a reading alone does not establish paranormal activity. Its value depends on context, repeatability and whether it matches independently documented observations.

An absence of activity during an investigation does not invalidate a witness’s earlier experience.

EVIDENCE COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION

Evidence must be documented so it can be examined beyond the original investigation. We preserve original photo, audio and video files rather than relying on edited or enhanced versions. Documentation includes the date, time and location of capture, the equipment and methods used, and who collected or supplied the material.

Any enhancement, filtering, cropping or editing is documented, and unaltered originals are kept for comparison. We review audio with attention to background noise, recording conditions and possible interference, and examine photo and video in their original context. An isolated image, light, shadow or visual anomaly is never sufficient on its own.

CORROBORATION AND EVALUATION OF FINDINGS

Corroboration is one of the most important aspects of paranormal documentation. When multiple people report the same occurrence, we consider whether their accounts were obtained independently, whether their descriptions are consistent and whether supporting material exists. We look for relationships between testimony, recorded evidence, environmental observations and the timeline of events. We record inconsistencies and conflicting accounts rather than forcing them into a single narrative.

We then review all material as a whole, considering the consistency of firsthand accounts, the quality and authenticity of documentation, whether activity can be reproduced or independently examined, and whether environmental or technical factors may have influenced observations. Corroboration can strengthen the documentation of an unexplained occurrence, but it does not automatically establish a paranormal explanation.

Some investigations document activity that remains unexplained, and others reveal a conventional explanation. Neither is a failure. An honest investigation acknowledges what is known, claimed, observed and unanswered.

CLASSIFICATION OF DOCUMENTED FINDINGS

To communicate findings responsibly, RISEUP uses these levels of documentation:

• Documented Experience: A firsthand account has been collected and recorded, though independent supporting evidence may be limited or unavailable.
• Corroborated Report: Multiple witnesses or independent sources support the account.
• Documented Anomaly: Photographic, audio, video or instrumental material has been preserved and examined, and an unusual occurrence is documented, though its cause may be undetermined.
• Unexplained Finding: The information and evidence have been examined, but no satisfactory explanation has been established.
• Inconclusive Investigation: Insufficient information, conflicting accounts or evidence limitations prevent a meaningful determination.

These classifications describe the state of the documentation. They are not declarations that a haunting, spirit, entity or other paranormal phenomenon has been scientifically established.

WITNESS PRIVACY, CONSENT AND ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITY

Reporting a paranormal experience can be sensitive. RISEUP respects the privacy and dignity of witnesses, property owners and everyone involved. We seek permission before entering private property, recording individuals or collecting personal information, and we obtain consent before publishing identifiable accounts, photographs, recordings or other private material.

We do not sensationalize accounts, alter testimony to make a story more compelling or present speculation as fact. People reporting unusual experiences may be experiencing genuine distress. We do not diagnose medical or psychological conditions, and we never encourage anyone to give up professional medical or mental health care in favor of paranormal explanations. The well-being of the people involved always comes before the investigation.

OUR COMMITMENT

RISEUP believes the unexplained deserves serious consideration and responsible investigation. The paranormal field has a long history of extraordinary stories, compelling accounts, questionable evidence and unanswered questions. We contribute through careful documentation, transparency, consistency and respect for those who come forward.

We aren’t here to tell people what to believe. We are here to listen, investigate, document, preserve evidence and pursue the truth as honestly as the information allows.

Every report has a story. Every investigation deserves integrity. And every piece of evidence deserves to be examined on its own merits.