About MSSPI

We are a group of Paranormal Researchers and Investigators who take pride in how we conduct ourselves on investigations and outings. We are dedicated to professional and confidential services free of charge to our clients and the places we visit. We will not post private home information or personal data on our website without express permission from homeowners. We are also dedicated to educating our members and visitors to what is going on in the paranormal field, scientific, historical etc...We do volunteer community projects to help preserve our Mississippi Cemeteries and Historical Places as well as investigate unexplained phenomena, legends, stories and experiences. We work with EVP, Video, Audo and Photography and spend a great deal of time researching books, articles and historical information that might help us better understand ghosts, spirits and the field of paranormal studies. We have fun but we also take our responsibilities seriously.  If you are interested in becoming a member of MSSPI's research and investigation team, please read our bylaws and review our site before deciding to make the commitment. We are not thrill seekers. Yes you can say we are ghost hunters, but we dont run around town with flashing lights, painted mystery mobiles and ecto plasm backpacks. We are not phd scientist or proclaimed psychics and gurus.

We are volunteer paranormal & historical researchers and it is our goal to improve knowledge and understanding of ghosts, spirits, the afterlife, paranormal investigation methods and all things unexplained, as well as contributing to our communities historical preservation efforts.

Our Mission

MSSPI 2010 Bylaws & Codes of Conduct

Article 1 – Name and Jurisdiction

Section 1: This organization shall be known as the :

Mississippi Society of Paranormal Investigators. Or MSSPI

Section 2: The headquarters of this organization shall be located in the town of Batesville , county of Panola and town of Potts Camp, county of Marshall, and state of Mississippi. The organization may have other branches anywhere needed, as the founder and leadership deem appropriate.

Section 3: The jurisdiction of this organization shall include the entirety of the United States of America with special focus on North Mississippi region and surrounding areas.

Article 2 – Purposes and Objectives

Section 1: The purpose and objective of this organization shall be:

A: To scientifically and without bias or prejudice explore the realm of the paranormal.

B: To attempt to prove the existence or non-existence of claimed paranormal activity or beings through on site investigation at allegedly active locations aided by special equipment deemed appropriate by the founder and leadership.

C: To examine all available forms of evidence related to the existence of paranormal activity including but not limited to photographs, audio, video and any physical evidence gathered.

D: To report any validated evidence related to the existence of The paranormal to the membership and public in any medium deemed appropriate by the founder and leadership including but not limited to publication on the organization’s website located at http://www.mississippi-spi.com

E: To educate the membership and public on the existence of the paranormal. This includes but is not limited to talks/lectures, public and private meetings and appearance in various media publications and outlets.

F: To receive, manage, invest, expend or otherwise use the funds and property of this organization to carry out and achieve these objectives and purposes set forth in these bylaws and for such additional objectives and purposes not inconsistent therein that will further the interests of this organization either directly or indirectly.

G. To contribute valid historical research related to our community, our state and the places we investigate.

H. To participate in Community Services and Volunteer Projects that the group has an interest in becoming involved in, whether historical, community related projects or voluteer activities.

Article 3 – Official Logos and Mottos

Section 1: The official logo and seal of this organization is a Blue full moon with tree landscaping, containing the wording “Mississippi Society of Paranormal Investigators”. and/or the MSSPI initials

Section 2: The official motto of this organization is: Currently being reviewed by the group.

Section 3: All official logos and mottos of this organization are copyrighted and shall remain the property of this organization. This includes all official forms and documents, all publications both physical and published on the organization’s website located at http://www.mississippi-spi.com. that have been written or submitted by MSSPI members. The official logos and seals may not be reproduced in any form without the sole written permission of the founder of this organization.

Section 4: The title “Mississippi Society of Paranormal Investigators” remains the exclusive property of the founders of this organization and may not be used by any other individual, organization or business without the express written permission of the founder.

Section 5: All members may use the official logo and seal of this organization providing that its use is consistent with the acceptable practices of this organization as deemed appropriate by the founder and leadership.

Article 4 – Membership Eligibility

Section 1: Subject only to the specific conditions set forth hereinafter, any person of good moral character and sound mental health, who has an interest in the paranormal shall be eligible for membership at the discretion of the founders and leadership.

Section 2: Any person expressing interest in joining this organization may become a member providing he/she meets the following requirements:

A: All members must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid state issued ID or Drivers License prior to applying. This provision applies to all members, new or current, unless approved by the founder and leadership.

B: He/She must complete a membership application. This provision applies to all members, new or current.

C: He/She must complete and pass a verbal interview with the founders of this organization.

D: He/She must upon acceptance into the organization submit a digital photograph and short Bio for inclusion on the membership roster and the website. This provision applies to all members, new or current. HE/She is also responsible to provide current email and phone contact information.

E: He/She must sign a Membership Agreement. This provision applies to all members, new or current.

F: He/She must have their own form of transportation to and from all organization events.

G: He/She must agree to attend no less than 50% of all announced organization meetings, training sessions and other mandatory special events unless the founder grants a waiver. This provision applies to all members, new or current.

H: He/She must agree to dress appropriately for the event in which they are involved.

I. He/She must complete the MSSPI Training program per protocol to the Founder's satisfaction before being considered for full time membership or leadership positions. Members In Training will be given up to 6 months to complete the required reports, investigations and training activities required and show progress in their skills and abilities in both investigations and research activities. When the MIT has met the required assignments the Member in Training's mentor will make their recommendation to the Founders and Full time membership status proposal will then be submitted by the Founders to the Full Time Members of the group for a vote as to graduating the MIT to Full Time Member status and it's benefits. Founders reserve the final right to dismiss any member or member in training as per a Founders vote, at any time for any reason they deem necessary.

J. He/She must participate in the online forum and private group discussions, monthly meeting presentations as assigned and any training that MSSPI deems neccessary of its members.

Section 3: No person shall be eligible for membership if:

A: He/She refuses to follow established rules and protocols of this organization or its bylaws.

B: He/She refuses to obligate themselves to acceptable participation in scheduled investigations, meetings, training sessions or other mandatory special events.

C: There is reason to believe that he/she may not adhere to or abide by the established rules and protocols of this organization or its bylaws.

D: There is reason to believe that he/she has falsified any membership information.

E: He/She advocates race, religious or class hatred or discrimination.

F: He/She refuses to dress appropriately for the event in which they are involved.

G: He/She has ever been convicted of a felony crime by any governmental unit.

H: He/She refuses to sign a Disclosure, Waiver of Liability and Confidentiality agreement.

Section 4: Membership can be sanctioned or revoked if:

A: He/She does not attend 50% of all announced organization meetings, training sessions or other mandatory special events.

B: He/She attempts or accomplishes to undermine the credibility of the organization in any way. Or acts in an unprofessional manner during investigations, meetings, or any other group related activity or event.

C: He/She divulges any privileged or confidential information gathered during investigations, research, meetings, training sessions or other special events with anyone who is not a member of this organization or its current allies. All information is to be considered privileged or confidential and should only be discussed within the organization.

D: He/She uses alcohol or illegal drugs before or during investigations, research, meetings, training sessions or other special events.

F: He/She fails to act in a safe and professional manner during all events.

G: He/She trespasses, or violates the law of any governmental unit during any event.

H: He/She is simply dishonest or demonstrates other bad traits, such as negative attitudes or continuous complaints, uncooperation or laziness which may reflect negatively on this organization.

I: He/She intentionally falsifies any records, research, investigation logs or evidence.

J: He/She violates any established rule or protocol of this organization or its bylaws.

Section 5: Member code of conduct and regulations:

A: It is the responsibility of all organization members to conduct themselves in a safe and professional manner at all times. Members are reminded that they are representatives of this organization and their conduct reflects on us as a whole.

B: All members while participating in investigations, research, meetings, training sessions or other special events must be dressed in appropriate attire for both the physical and social environment of the location.

C: Founders or designated Team Leaders have final say on any final decisions that need to be made on investigations and activities. Failure to follow directions, any established rule or protocol of this organization or its bylaws is grounds for immediate removal from the event and/or termination of membership.

D: All events must be conducted in a courteous and professional manner.

E: Use of illegal drugs is strictly forbidden before or during any event. If you are taking prescription medication, please notify a Founding member or Team Leader before the event begins to avoid future complication.

F: All members will do their best to refrain from using obscene, foul or abusive language near clients or the public.

G: All members are required to respect the privacy of all clients, allied groups, and locations that we are working with.

H: All inquiries from the media, law enforcement, concerned citizens, and others at the event scene will be directed to a Founding member or Team Leader, conducting the event.

I: All members are required to respect the event site. This includes but is not limited to: no trespassing, no burglary, no littering, no vandalism, no theft, no pranks or practical jokes and any other activity which is deemed inappropriate by the founder or leadership.

J: All members must have a valid state issued ID in their possession during all events.

K: No member is to investigate alone due to safety and credibility concerns.

L: All members are required to collect evidence, take notes, and submit said evidence and notes to the web server in a timely fashion and order as outlined in the protocols.

M: All events and meetings are for members only. Please do not bring guests or Children without first consulting the founder or leadership. Special Guests may attend meetings or group events with Founder Approval only.

N: All members are required to arrive at scheduled events in a timely manner. If a member must be absent from a scheduled event, the founder must be notified prior to the scheduled event. In case of emergency, please notify the founder or a lead investigator as soon as safely possible.

O: There will be absolutely no tolerance of firearms or weapons of any kind on any MSSPI activity/and or investigation. Only special circumstances will be permitted exception.

P: The founder and leadership of this organization retain the right to have the “final say”. Opinions and votes of all members will be respected and considered in all decisions.


Section 6: Other membership points:

A: The founder of this organization has the exclusive right to deny membership to anyone who does not meet the high standards of the Mississippi Society of Paranormal Investigators.

B: All issued photo ID cards are the sole property of this organization and must be surrendered to the founder upon request if either party terminates membership.

C: All new members are placed on a 6 month probationary period upon being accepted into this organization. This period may be lengthened or shortened at the discretion of the founder.

D: This organization is not obligated in any way to retain any member that does not meet the high standards of this organization. Continuing membership is based on the discretion of the founder and may be terminated at any time by a majority vote of the founder and leadership.

E: This organization is not obligated in any way to accept members or continue membership to those who belong to another group of paranormal investigators. This is a conflict of interest and will not be tolerated. The founder of this organization has the responsibility to insure that this policy is followed with no permitted exceptions.

Article 5 – Meetings

Section 1: This organization will hold meetings at least once a month on a date and time and at a location that is announced no less than 30 days from the selected date and time. This meeting will serve as an opportunity to interview potential members, discuss organization business, to report validated evidence, further member training and other matters deemed appropriate by the founder and leadership.

Section 2: The first aforementioned meeting held after the beginning of the fiscal year will also serve as this organizations annual meeting.

Article 6 – Leadership

Section 1: The leadership of this organization shall consist of the following: Founders, Operations Managers and Lead Investigator. The leadership of this organization shall have the responsibility to make decisions for this organization by a vote or consensus. All decisions of the leadership or “senior staff” are considered final, but may be appealed in writing for reconsideration.

Section 2: The support staff of this organization shall consist of, but not be limited to: Case & Research Managers, Audio Manager and Tech Manager. Assigned Trainee Mentors

Section 3: Eligibility to hold a leadership or support staff position in this organization shall be governed by the sole discretion of the founders and the provisions of the bylaws.

A: the founders in accordance with the provisions of the bylaws appoints all leadership and support staff positions. There shall be no term limit on any position.

B: All leadership and support staff positions hold a slightly higher rank than members and are offered some special privileges such as unlimited access to all organization information, a staff e-mail account, and priority on event rosters.

C: Any member may apply for a vacant leadership or support staff position after they have completed their six month probationary period and Training Program. All appointments will be made based on the member’s involvement in the organization and their willingness to assist fellow members.

Section 4: Leadership and support staff duties may vary. In general, the following duties will be associated with the following positions:

A: Founder: Oversee daily operations of this organization; Supervise all members, support staff, leadership and committees; Enact policy reforms, resolutions and amendments to the bylaws; Maintain all financial records and administer any organization funds and property; Preside over and maintain order in investigations, research, meetings, training sessions or other special events; Appoint all support staff, leadership positions and committees; Serve as a lead investigators & Team Leaders to guide and advise members in established rules and protocols of this organization and its bylaws;  Maintain all membership records; Analyze, Review and validate evidence; Organize investigations, research, meetings, training sessions or other special events; Promotion of this organization in various forums and media outlets; Maintain this organizations credibility; Recruit new members and insure proper training standards; All other duties not inconsistent with the goals of this organization and furthering its interest.


B: Operations Manager: Serve as an advisor to the founder; Serve as a lead investigator to guide and advise members in established rules and protocols of this organization and its bylaws; Coordinate daily operations of this organization with the founder; Supervise all members, support staff and committees; Analyze and validate evidence; Organize investigations, research, meetings, training sessions or other special events; Preside over and maintain order in investigations, research, meetings, training sessions or other special events in the absence of the founder; Recruit new members and insure proper training standards; Promotion of this organization in various forums and media outlets; Maintain this organizations credibility; All other duties not inconsistent with the goals of this organization and furthering its interest; Reports to the founders. include webmasters, Board Admins and moderators of http://www.mississippi-spi.com and all domains, forums and utilities therein;

C: Case Manager will serve as an advisor to the founder and report all confirmed investigations and any historical facts deemed important to the investigation. Case Managers will also maintain a client file including being responsible to see that all interviews, paperwork, reports and waivers are signed and in the client folder prior to the investigation and at the conclusion of the case.

Section 5: Special consultants may be retained by the organization that are not necessarily members. They may be utilized for their expert opinions or talents to further the goals and interests of this organization.

Section 6: This organization does not allow for a board of directors and shall never.

Article 7 – Evidence Ownership

Section 1: All evidence collected during an investigation including but not limited to: Audio, Photography, Video and sensor data is the property of the Mississippi Society of Paranormal Investigators – not the site owner/operator.

Section 2: All evidence collected may be considered for publication on the organization’s website http://www.mississippi-spi.com in training materials and other mediums as deemed appropriate by the founder and leadership and in accordance with the specifics of the Site Confidentiality Agreement.

Section 3: All positive evidence collected by members must be submitted to the founder and or Operations Manager for review and publication consideration. Members may reserve the rights to any evidence submitted from an investigation by specifying, in writing what rights they wish to retain.

Section 4 All articles posted on the MSSPI Website that were written or contributed by MSSPI Members will become the property of MSSPI . Any articles posted from outside persons, non members or other investigations teams remain the copyright of the Author. And will be posted to our website only with permission from the author or providing a source link to the author under the Fair Use Articles of Copywrite. We will provide sources and give credit where it is due.

Article 8 – Donations and Funding

Section 1: This organization shall be non-profit and shall not charge the public for any investigation or research service that it provides.

Section 2: This organization shall accept donations of equipment to aide in furthering the goals and interests of this organization and its members.

Section 3: This organization shall accept monetary donations to aide in furthering the goals and interests of this organization and its members.

Section 4: This organization may ask for fund contributions from its members as determined by a vote on expenditures for Group Equipment, Upgrades, and Server Hosting Expenses in order to maintain the operations and promotion of the organization.

Section 5: All Expenses are voted on at group meetings or approved by the Founders, Budget Balances and expenditures will be reported monthly at the Group Meeting and posted in The Monthly Meeting Minutes made available to all members of MSSPI on our Private Forum.

Section 6 The Organization may organize fund raising events, book sales and other events in order to provide for Group Maintenance, equipment purchases, website expenses or events and trips the group wishes to participate in.

Article 9 – Fiscal Year

Section 1: The fiscal year of this organization shall be from January 1st to December 31st

Article 10 – Amendments

Section 1: These bylaws may be amended, altered, repealed or added to by the founder of this organization as deemed necessary by the founder and leadership. Notice will be given to all members and an effective date for any amendments or changes will be given.