CPI CPI Case Documentation & Reporting 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a case summary report in paranormal investigation?
- To provide sensational content for social media
- To document findings, evidence, and conclusions for the client and team records (Correct answer)
- To prove the existence of paranormal activity
- To list only unexplained events without context
Correct answer: To document findings, evidence, and conclusions for the client and team records
A case summary report serves to document all findings, evidence, and conclusions objectively for client review and team archival purposes.
Question 2: Which information should be included in the initial case intake form for a paranormal investigation?
- Only the client's name and address
- Client contact info, reported activity description, location history, and witness names (Correct answer)
- Investigator credentials and equipment list only
- Social media handles of all witnesses
Correct answer: Client contact info, reported activity description, location history, and witness names
The initial intake form must capture client contact details, a full description of reported activity, location history, and witness information to establish a complete baseline.
Question 3: When logging timestamps during an investigation, which format is recommended for consistency and clarity?
- Relative time from investigation start (e.g., +00:45)
- 24-hour clock format with date (e.g., 2024-10-15 23:47:32) (Correct answer)
- AM/PM format without the date
- Approximate time rounded to the nearest hour
Correct answer: 24-hour clock format with date (e.g., 2024-10-15 23:47:32)
A 24-hour clock format with the full date eliminates AM/PM ambiguity and allows precise cross-referencing with other data logs and equipment timestamps.
Question 4: What does a chain of custody document ensure in a paranormal investigation?
- That all investigators are paid fairly
- That evidence is tracked from collection through analysis to prevent tampering or loss (Correct answer)
- That clients receive copies of all media
- That equipment is returned after the investigation
Correct answer: That evidence is tracked from collection through analysis to prevent tampering or loss
A chain of custody document tracks every person who handles a piece of evidence, ensuring its integrity and authenticity are preserved from collection through final analysis.
Question 5: Which section of a final investigation report should address possible natural explanations for reported phenomena?
- Executive summary
- Team biography section
- Alternative explanations / debunking analysis section (Correct answer)
- Equipment inventory section
Correct answer: Alternative explanations / debunking analysis section
The alternative explanations section is where investigators professionally address mundane causes such as structural noise, electromagnetic interference, or environmental factors.
Question 6: How long should a CPI investigator typically retain case files after an investigation is closed?
- Delete them immediately after delivering the client report
- Retain indefinitely or per organizational policy, typically a minimum of 3–5 years (Correct answer)
- Keep only for 30 days
- Only retain if the client requests a copy
Correct answer: Retain indefinitely or per organizational policy, typically a minimum of 3–5 years
Case files should be retained per organizational policy, generally a minimum of 3–5 years, to support follow-up inquiries, legal needs, or comparative research.
CPI CPI Case Documentation & Reporting 1
What is the primary purpose of a case summary report in paranormal investigation?