Joined: Jan 14, 2004 Posts: 1895 Location: Georgia
Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2007 7:34 am Post subject: Ghost Hounds investigation details - PLEASE READ
Hey everyone. I know this has been a long time coming, but thank you very much for your patience while I got everything sorted out.
At our July meeting, we discussed several proposed change, I was considering implementing in the Ghost Hounds network for people who were interested in participating on investigations. I asked for peoples feedback at the meeting and got some great ideas.
It's time for us to start implementing the changes that have been proposed. Among those changes are going to be mandatory criminal background checks for everyone who wishes to participate on our investigations. Why is this being done? Quite simply, it's a precautionary measure necessitated to protect both the investigators and property owners. It's important that everyone know who they are investigating and associating with in our network.
From this point forth, anyone wishing to participate in a Ghost Hounds sponsored investigation will be required to submit to a criminal background check. These can be obtained from your local Sheriff's Department. Denise has compiled a list of many sheriffs departments around the metropolitan Atlanta area who can perform this service for a nominal fee ranging anywhere from $5-$20. All would be investigators will be personally responsible for paying this fee. Since we do not charge membership within the Ghost Hounds network, I think this arrangement is more than fair.
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Here's a list by County:
Must bring with them a valid GA driver's license or state issued ID and SS#.
Fees are cash only - Exact change
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office
498 Chattin Drive
Canton, GA
678-493-4200
M-F 8:00 to 5:00
$ 5.00
Clayton County Sheriff's Office - Records Division
9157 Tara Blvd.
Jonesboro, GA
770-477-4404
Behind new court house justice center, 2nd Floor
M-F 8:00 to 4:00
$15.00
Cobb County Sheriff's Office - Jail
1825 County Services Parkway
Marietta, GA
770-499-4230
M-F 8:00am to 8:00pm
$15.00
Dekalb County Central Records Dept. located on the 2nd floor of the Public Safety Building
1960 W. Exchange Place
Tucker, GA
770-724-7740
M-F 8:00am to 8:00pm
Sat 8:00am to 12:00pm
$20.00
Fayette County Sheriff's Office - Records Division
155 Johnson Ave.
Fayetteville, GA
770-461-6353
M-F 8:00am to 5:00pm
$20.00
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office - Ordinance and Permits
107 E. Main Street
Cumming, GA
770-781-2138
M-F 8:30am to 11:30 am, 1:00pm to 5:00pm
$15.00
Fulton County Sheriff's Office
185 Central Ave.
Atlanta, GA
404-730-5130
Diagnal from where Coca Cola used to be
M-F 8:30am to 1:00pm
$15.00
Gwinnett County Police Permits Division
750 S. Perry Street Suite 200
Lawrenceville, GA
678-377-4300
M-Thurs. 8:00am to 11:30am, 1:00pm to 4:30pm
Fri. 8:00am to 12:00pm
$20.00
Hall County Sheriff's Office
610 Main Street
Gainesville, GA
770-531-6877
M-F 8:00am to 6:00pm
$15.00
Henry County Sheriff's Office - Jail, second floor
120 Henry Pkwy.
McDonough, GA
770-954-2200
M-F 9:00am to 9:00pm
$10.00
Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office
385 E. Main St.
Dahlonega, GA
706-864-0414
M-F 8:30am to 5:00pm
$ 8.00
Rockdale County Sheriff's Office
911 Chambers Drive
Conyers, GA
770-918-6700
M-F 8:00am to 5:00pm
$10.00
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I am raising the bar on what I expect from people for the privilege of being able to participate on our investigations. While in the past, we did indeed have an "open arms" policy which allowed anyone to participate in our investigations who showed up for our meetings, obviously this is not a sustainable model for us to continue to entertain while our network continues to grow. There is the matter over liability which I must address from this point forward.
In an effort to be fair to all, I will require everyone - both long-standing Ghost Hounds who have been on many investigations, as well as newcomers - to submit to this criminal background check. Note that these background checks will remain completely confidential and on file. I will not share or divulge any information contained within these background checks with anyone-property owners, other investigators or otherwise.
Once you have obtained your criminal background check. Please fax a copy to this number...
1-866-299-7440
In addition, the long-standing rule of attending at least one Ghost Hounds monthly meeting every four months still applies. All participants will also be required to sign a waiver release form indemnifying myself, other investigators, property owners or anyone else associated either directly or indirectly with an investigation from any liability - either for damage or loss to your personal property, or personal injury/death.
I will be creating a members only forum where investigations will be announced and other details can be discussed. This form will not be readable by the general public - only by those Ghost Hounds who have passed a criminal background check and are eligible to participate in our investigations.
I'm also considering creating a mailing list by which to announce upcoming investigations. This will make sure that everyone who is eligible to attend our investigations is in the loop - even if they are not able to read the website on a regular basis.
Also in the works is a protocol list, which investigators will be required to adhere to. This protocol will apply before, during and after our investigations.
The rotating list of investigators will continue to apply. That is, persons who are eligible to investigate will have their names placed on an eligibility list. As investigations are announced, people interested in participating will sign up, and teams will be assigned from this. Once someone has participated on an investigation, their names will rotate to the bottom of the list, and those who were at the bottom of the list will be rotated up. Note that investigation coordinators are always on the team assignment. This arrangement has worked extremely well for us in the past, and gives everyone a fair chance to participate in as many investigations as possible.
Please note that new investigators may not be eligible to participate in certain high-profile investigations - particularly those events involving media presence. We will likely assemble and arrange a series of more low key investigations during which we will have the chance to train new investigators in the protocol that they are expected to follow.
If anyone has any questions or concerns please feel free to address them with me, either by responding in this thread sending me a private message or e-mailing me ghostgeek@ghosthounds.com.
Thanks again for your patience while I was busy with a multitude of other things this summer and traveling consistently. In the past we've had many high profile investigations and I can assure you that there are many more to come this fall! Therefore, I urge everyone who is interested in participating to get their background check completed and sent to me as soon as possible.
I look forward to the opportunity to investigate with each and every one of you! _________________ Patrick Burns
Founder and Director, Ghost Hounds
"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed." - Albert Einstein
Joined: Jun 20, 2007 Posts: 127 Location: Atlanta, GA
Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2007 5:45 pm Post subject:
Are we doing this at meetings or do we still have to do this individually? Also, do we have to do this for each county that we want to investigate in, or just the county that we live in? Thanks!
Keri
Joined: Aug 26, 2004 Posts: 1073 Location: Land of the Lost
Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2007 7:45 pm Post subject:
Gumdrop (Keri) It's just the county you live in. You'll have to sign a release form and pay the fee. The release form is for the GCIC (Georgia Crime Information Center) audits. Hope this helps! _________________ "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars" - Les Brown
Joined: Jun 20, 2007 Posts: 127 Location: Atlanta, GA
Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2007 7:20 am Post subject:
Darn wish I had known earlier, I was there yesterday doing my vehicle tag stuff. Hopefully I can fax stuff into them and they can do it that way. Thanks!!
Keri
Joined: Jan 14, 2004 Posts: 1895 Location: Georgia
Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2007 5:44 pm Post subject:
*bump* _________________ Patrick Burns
Founder and Director, Ghost Hounds
"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed." - Albert Einstein
Joined: Jun 09, 2006 Posts: 216 Location: Atlanta, GA
Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2007 5:47 pm Post subject:
GG is it ok if I hand drop mine to you at the meeting, faxing is such a pain or I can scan and email if thats kwel. _________________ If your not behind our Troops, please feel free to stand infront of them.
GG, what if we work in a position (law enforcement, school system, etc.) that already requires a background check before employment can be granted? Will proof of employment at one of these type jobs suffice as showing that our background is clear?
I work in a school system and it is mandatory for all employees (from administrators to janitors) come back with a clean BG check before being around children. _________________ "The Lord gave us two ends - one to sit on and the other to think with. Success depends on which one we use the most." - Ann Landers
Joined: Apr 30, 2006 Posts: 510 Location: Oakland County, Michigan
Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2007 4:13 pm Post subject:
Hey GG,
This is a question you won't hear often. How about out of state hounds who visit about quarterly and want to investigate (if one happens to coincide with my visit, that is)? A state background check from where? In my case Michigan AND Ga? I just had to get cleared for both since I'm a Social Worker who works around children also inspects people's homes. So, I guess I have the same question as Amanda plus the additional question about the two states... Thanks!
Will proof of employment at one of these type jobs suffice as showing that our background is clear?
I am going out on a limb, but I think we are to have a current background check... as of September of this year or later.
Right?
I just got a new job in the school system I work in (after having resigned last year), so my background check and fingerprints were just done on August 4th. I have no prob doing another one except that I have $60 left in my bank account and an empty gas tank, so my funds are VERY tight right now. _________________ "The Lord gave us two ends - one to sit on and the other to think with. Success depends on which one we use the most." - Ann Landers
Joined: Jan 14, 2004 Posts: 1895 Location: Georgia
Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2007 6:54 pm Post subject:
WOW! Lots of questions! Let me take them one by one here...
Kristin wrote:
Hey GG,
This is a question you won't hear often. How about out of state hounds who visit about quarterly and want to investigate (if one happens to coincide with my visit, that is)? A state background check from where? In my case Michigan AND Ga? I just had to get cleared for both since I'm a Social Worker who works around children also inspects people's homes. So, I guess I have the same question as Amanda plus the additional question about the two states... Thanks!
The state where you presently legally reside please. If you've resided in Georgia less than 5 years, I think we need one from your previous state of residence as well.
shulerbob wrote:
Instead of faxing a CH can I just show my badge and police id next time I see you
Miss204 wrote:
GG, what if we work in a position (law enforcement, school system, etc.) that already requires a background check before employment can be granted? Will proof of employment at one of these type jobs suffice as showing that our background is clear?
I work in a school system and it is mandatory for all employees (from administrators to janitors) come back with a clean BG check before being around children.
Yikes! This one is a slippery slope. In fairness to all, I think I really need to require them from EVERYONE - regardless of what field you work in. Otherwise it becomes a "well... I'm a security guard - you KNOW I'm clean..." and "I own a cleaning company where we enter peoples homes and I'm bonded..." It just becomes too much of a judgement call on my part to figure it all out. Sorry about this!
Miss204 wrote:
I just got a new job in the school system I work in (after having resigned last year), so my background check and fingerprints were just done on August 4th. I have no prob doing another one except that I have $60 left in my bank account and an empty gas tank, so my funds are VERY tight right now.
I understand this more so than anyone; being short of funds. Denise has told me that you can obtain a background check in ANY county - it does not need to be the county you reside in. Some jurisdictions are as little as $5. It will be a couple weeks yet before we resume Ghost Hounds investigations, so you still have some time.
Loretta also had a good point - if you've had this done in the last month or 2, ask your employer if you can obtain a copy for your records - don't have to tell them its for your paranormal investigation team if you dont want!
Gumdrop wrote:
Are we doing this at meetings or do we still have to do this individually? Also, do we have to do this for each county that we want to investigate in, or just the county that we live in? Thanks!
Keri
This needs to be done individually for each person. And the check is state-wide, so there is no need to do this for more than one county.
zombiedigger wrote:
GG is it ok if I hand drop mine to you at the meeting, faxing is such a pain or I can scan and email if thats kwel.
You CAN email or bring it to the meeting, but if you bring it in person please seal it in an envelope first and give it to Pam or Denise, just in case I'm not at the meeting.
Hopefully this answers all the questions, but feel free to chime in if I missed anything. Sorry this is such a pain in the butt, but I've got to do it to cover mine as we continue to grow and expand.
Thanks again! _________________ Patrick Burns
Founder and Director, Ghost Hounds
"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed." - Albert Einstein
Joined: Apr 24, 2004 Posts: 25 Location: Cumming, GA
Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2007 7:35 pm Post subject:
What kind of security of information are you prepared to provide? I work in law enforcement and run criminal historys as part of my job and I can tell you that even if there is no history on file that report contains your full name dob and social security number and I'm just not confortable handing that type of info over to a civilian. I'm required to take yearly classes on security just to be legal to handle that type of information. I can also tell you that ID theft is a huge problem in this country we recieve reports of this all the time. I'm not saying you would do anything with this info, but if it is lost or stolen that can lead to serious problems _________________ I am the reaper
Joined: Apr 30, 2006 Posts: 510 Location: Oakland County, Michigan
Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2007 7:48 pm Post subject:
Hi GG, thanks for the info. . Shulerbob raised a good question. Would you mind if we crossed out the ss number? The birthday I'm not so concerned about. I'm not comfortable handing that info over to anyone. I hate that my job has it, even. It's not that I don't trust my friends but one never knows what may happen to that, someone breaks into a car with a stack of them on the front seat in an envelope, an office, your house, hacks your computer...so, I guess it would be good if you could address that too. Thanks! I do understand your need and desire to do this, and think it's a good idea.
Hi GG, thanks for the info. . Shulerbob raised a good question. Would you mind if we crossed out the ss number? The birthday I'm not so concerned about. I'm not comfortable handing that info over to anyone. I hate that my job has it, even. It's not that I don't trust my friends but one never knows what may happen to that, someone breaks into a car with a stack of them on the front seat in an envelope, an office, your house, hacks your computer...so, I guess it would be good if you could address that too. Thanks! I do understand your need and desire to do this, and think it's a good idea.
Crossing out the social security number is fine; it's definitely not information we need.
As for security issues-those are being formulated right now. We definitely welcome everyone's ideas on this, as we're doing this to keep everyone safer, rather than create a security nightmare for anyone. Our current thinking is to scan the reports, shred the hard copies, and keep the scans in a password-protected location on the server, as well as a copy on a disc in a locked file.
Cool. GG, wil this work? I don't mind paying for the background check or having one done. This would make it easier for those of us who might have a hard time getting to the Sherrif's office before it closes.
WOW! Lots of questions! Let me take them one by one here...
The state where you presently legally reside please. If you've resided in Georgia less than 5 years, I think we need one from your previous state of residence as well.
Thanks again!
Question: I lived in Japan for 2 years prior to me moving back to GA. I've been here for 3 years. I'm afriad there's no way I'm able to get anything from Japan, so will the 3 years I've been here be enough? SInce I lived in GA prior to Japan, it may still have me in the system. But before I do anything, I wanted to check here. Thanks
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How about out of state hounds who visit about quarterly and want to investigate (if one happens to coincide with my visit, that is)? A state background check from where? In my case Michigan AND Ga? I just had to get cleared for both since I'm a Social Worker who works around children also inspects people's homes. So, I guess I have the same question as Amanda plus the additional question about the two states... Thanks!
Guess I should have said ~friendly bump to the top~
