1. During investigations, members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner which including being respectful of your fellow investigators, being mindful of using profane language, and not engaging in practical jokes or horseplay at any time during an investigation.

2. Alcohol or Illegal drug usage before or during an investigation is grounds for immediate dismissal.

3. Members may not use their own equipment unless authorized by the Director. Cameras will use WCSS flash memory cards and all evidence gathered including used memory cards will be returned to the Director at the end of every investigation.

4. WCSS members are required to read, understand, and sign the Release from Liability and Confidentiality forms before participating in any investigations.

5. During an investigation, members will respect the property of our client. It is each individual’s responsibility to replace or repair any item they damage on an investigation. Cemeteries, buildings, houses, or any other location that we investigate will be treated with respect and left undisturbed

6. WCSS prohibits all members from performing freelance investigations, either as a WCSS representative or as an individual without authorization from the Director. 

7. No WCSS member is permitted to bring guests to an investigation unless there is prior approval from the Director or . If a guest is permitted to attend, they will be expected to comply fully with our by-laws, rules, and procedures or they will not be permitted to attend. Any guests must be 18 years old or older.

8. Only smoke in designated areas and always away from the investigation area and only on designated break periods or down-time.  Be mindful of non-smoking team member’s rights. 

9. Any member who does not attend meetings, assigned investigations, or assigned evidence review at least 65% (cumulative) of the time without a valid waiver from the Director or  will be placed on probation or dismissed.

10. Members who are absent from any pre-investigation briefings (if deemed necessary and scheduled) will not be permitted to participate in that investigation.

12. WCSS members are required to keep all client information and locations confidential, unless the client has signed a release form and permission has been granted by the Director to disseminate this information outside of the group. Members are not allowed to speak with the press or media about WCSS activities, clients, members, or investigations or otherwise represent WCSS without authorization from the Director.

13. Each member will be required to follow proper pre-investigation, investigation, and post-investigation procedures and take direction from the Lead Investigator while on an investigation. If the Lead Investigator is unavailable, the Senior Investigator or designated lead member will provide direction.

14. All evidence collected as a result of WCSS investigations becomes property of the WCSS. Evidence may not be posted, transmitted, or reproduced in any form except on the official website without authorization from the Director. Usage of the logo or group name for any commercial or public ventures is strictly prohibited unless authorized by the Director. The group name and logo may be used by the members for their own personal use for t-shirts, business cards, hats, etc.

15. WCSS only investigates paranormal activity. At no time shall any member of the team make promises to a client to remove or otherwise excise entities from a location. If a blessing is requested by the client and we have trained staff available to do so, the lead investigator will make a determination based on the situation and circumstances.  Members will not refer clients or make suggestions on how to remove entities. If a recommendation is to be made, it will be made by the Director at the post-investigation client briefing.

16. Safety is the number one concern. If you acting in an unsafe manner, you may be asked to leave the investigation area. Repeated infractions or willful endangerment of others may lead to dismissal from the group.

17. The initiation fee and first monthly dues are required upon acceptance into the group. Monthly dues are to be paid no later than the 1st of each month.  Dues paid after the 5th of the month unless otherwise excused will incur a $5.00 late fee. Dues more than 5 days late will result in the member being placed on pre-dismissal status. After the 15th of the month, the member will be dismissed. Leaves of absence or hardship concessions may be granted on a case-by-case basis by the Director. Dues and fees are non-refundable. If a member leaves the group for any reason and is allowed to return to the group at a later date then the member must repay the initiation fee at the current rate and any outstanding dues that are owed in order rejoin the group. Any members rejoining will be placed on probation for 90 days after their rejoin date.

18. Unless required by the investigation, members should keep contact with the client to an absolute minimum. Members are not allowed to comment to the client about any aspect of the investigation until the investigation is complete and the client is officially briefed on the findings by the Director or designated personnel.

19. No firearms or weapons of any kind are allowed to be brought into an investigation. Leatherman tools or pocket knives are allowed as long as they are safely secured.

20. Cell phones or other non-authorized electronics such as MP3 players or radios must be shut off during an investigation. These items may only be used during designated breaks and away from the investigation area. A cel phone number will be a provided to members during the pre-investigation briefing for emergencies use only.

21. Members will take direction from their respective section managers except during an investigation when all personnel report directly to the Lead Investigator.

22. WCSS does not charge a fee for investigations it performs. No WCSS members may accept money from a client or other source for their work on an investigation or with the group. The group does accept voluntary, unsolicited donations.

23. Members are required to respond within 24 hours to emails sent to them by WCSS members and management which require a reply. Members are required to adhere to this requirement 100% of the time.

24. Members are required to care for and properly maintain the equipment belonging to the group. If an item is broken or damaged from misuse, carelessness, or abuse the member will be expected to repair or replace the item. Each case involving a broken piece of equipment, it will be carefully reviewed and investigated to ensure fairness to the member. The Technical Manager is responsible for the accountability of all equipment on an investigation.