T.O.P.S Membership Application Process and Form
Membership Requirements & Guidelines
1. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age or older.
2. Must have a valid photo ID.
3. Must be able to attend meetings, investigations and all other group functions on a reasonably regular basis.
4. All applicants must agree to and follow all rules and regulations that have been set forth by T.O.P.S. Failure to follow guidelines will result in dismissal from the group.
5. All applicants who are accepted into training must read, understand, agree to and sign The Ozarks Paranormal Society Membership Agreement form, Legal (Safety) Disclaimer form, and any other required documents.
6. Applicants who are selected for training must fulfill all T.O.P.S training requirements before you will be considered for full membership.
7. Must have a valid e-mail address.
8. Potential members must submit to a background check.
Communication Information & Requirements
Much of the communication within the group is via e-mail. T.O.P.S has a private message board setup to keep each member up to date on current events. All members will need a private e-mail address in order to access this board. Once accepted into training you will be e-mailed an invitation to join the board.
Health and Safety Risks
We wish to ensure the safety and well being of our members and trainees. In some cases the work we do subjects our members to potential hazards. Some investigations may take place outdoors in various terrains. Some buildings and homes may pose hazards such as mold, dust, weak or rotting floors boards, and steep stairs. Some investigations may require long periods of sitting, standing or walking and typically investigations are done in the dark or with very limited light. Always know your physical and health limitations; please do not attempt to perform any activity beyond your abilities.
Training Information
Compatibility with the group is an important factor in your training. If it is determined at anytime during the course of training that a trainee is incompatible with the group, that trainee will be dismissed with or without notice. Once all training requirements are complete, you will meet with group members who will conduct a membership interview and a training review will take place. Full membership acceptance will be voted on by all active members and membership status will be determined at that time.
You must have your own transportation
Our investigators are based in the Central Ozarks area but we do conduct investigations outside of the area. We try to carpool when possible, but it is necessary that team members have a driver’s license as well as their own reliable transportation.
Long hours
Most of our investigations take place on Saturday or Sunday nights and typically begin around 7pm and can last through the night if we determine that is required to do a proper investigation.
Flexible schedule
In addition to Saturdays and Sundays, we occasionally do investigations during the week. While team members are not required to attend every investigation, we prefer members who have some flexibilityin their schedules.
Evidence review
Every member of the investigation team is required to review evidence, which may include multiple digital voice recorders and/or digital videos. This evidence must be reviewed in a timely manner and in real time meaning no fast-forwarding to get through it faster. Evidence review takes longer than the actual investigation. Depending on how many investigators we have available team members may be assigned more than one type of evidence review per investigation. Members have to turn over investigation notes and reports in a timely manner for us to meet with the client as quickly as possible with the results of the investigation.
Paranormal training is on the job. we’re all still learning
A previous background in paranormal investigations is not required. We will provide training for new members. We are looking for open-minded individuals with an interest in finding out the truth and in helping people.
Joining any paranormal group requires an investment of time more than anything else. Each investigation requires pre and post preparation and research. There’s a lot more to being part of a paranormal group than just the investigations. If you’re willing to put in the time to do the best job possible in the field of paranormal research, we want to hear from you!
Code of Conduct
1. All members must conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times when representing T.O.P.S.
2. Any illegal acts or behaviors that break local, state or federal law is prohibited while representing this group.
3. All members must respect others personal property, this includes fellow investigators and clients property. Never touch, move or remove any item during an investigation that does not belong to you.
4. Any member caught stealing will immediately be terminated from the group.
5. All members must be respectful to each other during all group functions, this includes message boards. Never insult or criticize your fellow team members.
6. All members must respect and follow the leadership and guidance of group leaders, organizers and coordinators during all investigations.
7. Harassment or abuse of any type toward other members will not be tolerated.
8. Smoking during an investigation is prohibited unless in a designated smoking area during a break time.
9. The use and/or being under the influence of alcohol or any drug and/or substance is forbidden during any investigation.
Attendance Requirements
1. Regular attendance is an important aspect of membership. All members are expected to attend all types of group functions on a reasonable, regular basis.
2. Excessive absenteeism or failure to show up for group functions may result in dismissal from the group.
Policy Revisions
Please note that policy revisions and additions can be made to any policy at any time without prior notice. All policies will be reviewed on a yearly basis to allow for additions or changes.
Other Information
There is no membership fee if you are selected to become a member of our team
Additional information will be supplied to you upon acceptance into training.
Joining:
Do you want to become a member of The Ozarks Paranormal Society family? Everything you need to know about joining our team can be found here. Please continue through our information and read all listed information before submitting your application. Serious inquiries only please!
About Us:
T.O.P.S is slightly different than most other paranormal groups currently in existence. While our overall goals are the same, our group involves more than just ghost hunting. We are a group with a passion and a purpose and we seek those who will help us grow and learn and continue to move forward in this field.
Meetings:
Group meetings are typically conducted on a monthly basis and are open only to team members of T.O.P.S. Regular attendance of meetings is a requirement of being a team member.
Expectations:
The expectations for our team members are that of professionalism, integrity, community service, confidentiality, respect and historical knowledge. We insist that all of our team members become involved in some way in all aspects of our group. Our group provides free investigations of claims of paranormal activity to our community. If you feel our team may be the right fit for you please carefully read through all of our guidelines and requirements before contacting us about joining.
Applications:
We occasionally post openings for new members on our website and Facebook page, we require anyone wishing to join our team to fill out the group application. We wish to give everyone a fair opportunity to apply, and when openings do become available we try our best to spread the word. If you are looking to join a local group and we have no openings we are happy to assist you with your quest. Please e-mail us to request information about other groups looking for new members in our area.
Application Process
The first step in becoming a member of T.O.P.S is to submit your interest in joining our team by filling out the application questions with fully completed answers. (Please continue through all information, the application form will be at the end. Applications will not be accepted after stated deadlines, no e-mail application requests will be accepted.)
After submitting your e-mail the T.O.P.S team will review all applications, and if accepted, you will be invited to a group meeting. Please allow up to 10 days for a response to your application. (Check your spam folder if you have not gotten a response within 10 days)
Must be at least 21 years of age (must be verifiable) or over to apply.
If you are chosen, you will be contacted to be invited to a group meeting. During the meeting you will have a chance to meet with and talk to current T.O.P.S team members. Don't be shy! Feel free to ask as many questions as you need. Expect to stay at least 2 hours with us at the meeting if you are selected.
Please keep in mind that if you are selected you will be considered a volunteer, there is no monetary compensation for your work with T.O.P.S.
Not everyone who applies will be selected for our team.
Previous experience in paranormal investigations is not required.
If you are selected for training you will be notified by e-mail within 30 days post meeting.
Applicants who are selected for training must fulfill all T.O.P.S training requirements before you will be considered for full membership. All training requirements will be provided to you once you have been introduced to the group as a trainee.
All applicants must agree to and follow all rules and regulations that have been set forth by T.O.P.S. Failure to follow guidelines will result in dismissal from the group. Please continue on to the next page for our basic guidelines.
Membership includes involvement with our ghost tours and other community activities in addition to investigations!
You will find we have many guidelines and requirements, please do not let that intimidate you! All of our guidelines are in place for the safety and well being of all group members and clients and we feel all of our guidelines are fair and reasonable.
Helpful Tip: When you fill out your application please be specific and detailed, the more we know about you the more likely we are to select you!