PSI-FI:First of all, congratulation on a show that fell into the hearts of many viewers, paranormal investigators and teams. Did you expect your show to be so well received by the paranormal community?

RON:We had hoped that the obvious differences about our group would spark some interest in general. We have been very happy with the support we have received from the paranormal community. Thank you very much.

PSI-FI:I think your approach to investigations, and applying the forensics you have used in your own police work, is unique and logical. Do you feel that if more people tried, at least in some way, your technical approach, their investigations would be more successful in that they would be able to more easily determine the "natural" from the "paranormal"? Could you explain to our readers what your investigative technique is and how you approach each investigation?

RON:Thank you. It just makes sense to us to approach cases in this fashion. I think if people made sure their scene was SEARCHED, SECURED and SEALED before their "lights out" session, it would greatly minimize the potential for contamination. We apply many techniques that people didnt see on TV. It starts with our screening process of complainants. We work cases differently than most. We only work cases if there is an immediate need for our services. We dont work self initiated or proactive cases. After our lights out portion of an investigation, we seal our cameras and audio recorders in evidence bags with a chain of custody report until reviewed. When we set up a CCTV camera inside a room, we film the entire interior with a different camera and film under beds, inside closets and the fact that all windows are locked and sealed. The room where the CCTV camera is left is then closed and sealed from the outside. The seal includes initials, date and time. We place 4 CCTV cameras on the EXTERIOR of the scene to watch the perimeter as well. We dont use still photography due to the reality that the potential for false positives is far to great. We want to see how things move, what direction they came from etc. Stills dont tell you this. We will say the time before most EVP questions to assist as a reference during audio analysis. We use camera stabilzation devices to ensure steady shots. This device also holds an EMF detector and audio recorder to keep everything at our finger tips. We use a final disposition report once our investigation is complete to categorize our conclusions. There are many other things as well, these are just a few.

PSI-FI:In your casework, do you find that most claims of paranormal activity have a natural or logical cause and explanation?

RON:Surprisingly, we have found a substantial amount of our cases have produced EVP's and/or intelligent EMF interatcion. I dont mean EMF spikes, I mean intelligent Q&A by way of EMF blinks on our devices. I have to tell you that our evidence and the percentage of things we do get is really a surprise.

PSI-FI:What I find interesting about your show, along with your precise approach to paranormal investigations, is your use of everyday items to make the investigation easier, such as the "putty knife" and "microphone stand" for a more convenient use of multiple pieces of equipment. My team has actually employed these items in our investigations as well. Can you tell our readers where these ideas came from and how they can also "build" these ideas for use with their teams?

RON:Sure and thank you. We used a wide plastic puddy spreader, ($2) from any hardware store. We covered it with velcro and attached a small table top tripod to the handle. We then attached an EMF detector, an audio recorder and a dollar store clip on flashlight. This device can allow the investigator to hold all these things in one hand without fumbling around. The device can also be placed on a table and stand freely. We call it a gadget caddy..lol. Additionally, I wanted a sort of steadicam and tripod all in one. Steadicams are used to keep video shots stable while moving by using balance based upon where you place your hands. Its really a simple concept. I took a microphone stand with a tripod base and also attached a shelving bracket off to one side. I installed a tripod head on top and it works great. There is no fatigue from holding a camcorder and my shots remain fluid rather than jagged. Again, on this device, I have an EMF detector and audio recorder at my finger tips. Our Mel Pro EMF detector also gives me constant temperature readings. I use a Cobra I.R. light which is powered by a lantern battery which is also attached to this device. It can stand freely like a tripod or I can grab it, fold the legs quickly and move. I wouldnt work a case without it.

PSI-FI:You employ an impecible scientific and forensic technique that is inspiring to others in the field. Do you also employ a spiritual aspect to your investigations?

RON:We do say a prayer before and after our lights out portion of the investigation. We dont know if it helps but it brings us peace of mind. Moriah Rhame is our Medium and she is very spiritual. However, we only take recorded evidence into consideration for our final disposition.

PSI-FI:Do you feel that the years and years of research that paranormal investigators have spent researching the unknown will ever be accepted by science as any sort of solid proof of an afterlife, or a realm other than the physical world in which we live?

RON:Truthfully, no I dont. The reason is because there is no standard in this field. There is no right or wrong technique to gather evidence therefore, all findings can be argued either way. Most groups dont secure their scenes. There are no qualifications to be a paranormal investigator. There is no licensing or certification. These are the reasons that I believe would prevent this field from being taken to the next level.

PSI-FI: GHI has always been the show to turn to to see the newest available equipment for paranormal research. Will we be seeing more new equipment in the new season?

DUSTIN: I cannot say for fear that the Irishman (Barry) will cripple me with a lightning quick slash of his flashlight.

PSI-FI:So many of us loved the first season of Paranormal Cops, and respect the work you all do. Will we be seeing a second season?

RON:Thank you so very much. All I can tell you is that the show is currently airing in the U.K. and will continue around the world on the Biography Channels Global Gateway. The future of the show in the U.S. is an unanswered question at this point.

PSI-FI:How do your fellow police officers feel about your work in the paranormal field?

RON:Well, the Chicago Paranormal Detectives was formed after I received an on duty call which lead to me subsequently capturing paranormal evidence on film. It was very nerve racking and beyond belief. I returned to the location where this occured many times with fellow cops and we never left there empty handed. Since numerous co-workers were with me in the beginning, I think that greatly contributes to why we have the suppport we do. We are not thrill seekers or conclusion jumpers. Our close friends and brother Officers are very aware of the reality of what we do.

PSI-FI:You brought us something different in your show, many ideas and techniques we had not seen before. That alone makes your show different from the many paranormal reality show out there. What else about your show makes it different and new in a smorgasboard of paranormal reality television shows?

RON: I think people have to take into consideration that we are not self proclaimed investigators. We are "actual" investigators. We take a career risk doing this work. We are held accountable for what we say and do 24/7. Conducting investigations is not a hobby for us. You can look through the yellow pages for mechanics, tv repair men and restaurants. There is no alternative for 911. We dont have the luxury of embelishment. We need to maintian our good standing in the community. Integrity and credibility are non negotiable. We must maintain them for our primary careers.

PSI-FI:How do your families feel about your work in the paranormal field?

RON:So far, we have all had alot of support. The schedules from police work arent always popular though...lol

PSI-FI:Congratulation on the DVD release of Season One of Paranormal Cops! Where can we buy the DVD's?

RON:Thanks so much. I think they available at Amazon.com and probably on A&E's website at A&E Television.

PSI-FI:Aside from paranormal research and your fulltime job in law enforcement, you also are a musician! Can you tell us more about Open Key?

RON:Sure. OPEN KEY is the original music written by Austin Weinstock and myself. We write and record original material in an acoustic fashion. We are adding another guitarist/keyboard player named Colin Reid who is also a cop. We have been playing at local Paranormal Cops events and will be playing out publicly soon.

PSI-FI:Will we be able to purchase or download music from Open Key?

RON:Oh absolutely. Once we have our first CD finalized, we will be on iTunes and other places. We would love for people to join OPEN KEY on facebook and remain informed as we continue down this path. We enjoy corresponding with everyone.

PSI-FI:Where can fans visit Paranormal Cops and Open Key on the web?

RON:Paranormal Cops episodes and deleted scenes can be seen at A&E Television and YouTube. OPEN KEY material is coming soon.

PSI-FI:You have gained so much respect from those of us in the paranromal field, as well as the respect of viewers of your show. Is there anything you would like to say to your supporters?

RON: I would love to say thank you to everyone who has given us the chance to reveal our techniques on the paranormal. I also want to thank our families for putting up with us while we are on this roller coaster ride. Although we cannot go all around the Country and beyond, we love to correspond with everyone. Please join us on facebook and keep in touch. We dont believe in competition in this field. We dont have fans, we have friends. Thanks so very much. Please keep in touch.

Thanks to our friend, Ron Fabiani! We will keep you updated on Ron's events and appearances!

PSI-FI Radio Exclusive Web Content

Dustin Pari!

Someone always near and dear to our hearts, Dustin answered questions about GHI, about himself, and about the future of the paranormal field, always keeping his unique sense of humor. Check out the interview below, and find out what Dustin has been up to!

PSI-FI: As GHI goes into a new season, what changes can we expect to see?

DUSTIN: I am sure you can expect to see the team delving into some crazy cases and more importantly, as always, keeping the evidence honest. The GHI team may not constantly be presenting to the average TV viewer some over the top evidence that makes you yell "Can you belive that?!" at your TV set- but the bottom line is- you can believe it, because the GHI team has and always has had integrity. There will be a lot to talk about once the season starts I am sure.

PSI-FI: The Complete Approach is one of the most thorough, easy to read and understand books on the paranormal available on the book market today. I know many paranormal researchers who carry their very well used, dog-earred copies with them wherever they go, myself being one of them. Did you expect the book to be so successful as a whole, and so respected by even seasoned paranormal investigators?

DUSTIN: Barry and I are both pleasantly pleased to see what a difference the book has made for so many people. We had a lot of information that we felt was important to pass along and we wanted to make it as easy as possible for people to understand it all. We are very humbled by its success and proud to have put it together. Every word in there was written by Mr. FitzGerald and I.

PSI-FI: When we spoke to you last, you mentioned a new book that would be available soon. Can you give us an update, and some information on the book?

DUSTIN: The new book deals with not just hauntings, but a global perspective on them, why they happen, and how to deal with them. This will delve into sociological and religious approaches, their differences, and more importantly commonalities. We have changed publishers due to some complications with our previous opus, and are excited to say the new book will be made much more widely available come Spring/Summer 2011. Its tentatively entitled "My Home is Haunted... Now What?!" Its going to completely rock, prepare yourselves for literary awesomeness.

PSI-FI: As a fan of your blogs and your unique style of writing and sense of humor, will there ever be book based on, or featuring, these blog entries?

DUSTIN: Well thank you very much- I do my best. I have tried to pitch such a publication- so far no takers. Doh! I am hoping to put one out at some point. I also have a bunch of poetry- most of it very much like my blogs, a mix of sex and candy. My mind is a mess- my thought process is a cornucopia of old wrestling story lines spliced with vintage cartoons and song lyrics. How I have made it this far, I honestly am not sure, but I remain pleasantly surprised.

PSI-FI:Having been in the paranormal field for 21 years myself, and knowing that you have spent decades in the field as well, did you ever expect, as you were beginning this journey into the unknown, that paranormal research would be as mainstream and socially acceptable as it is today?

DUSTIN: I never thought it would make it to this level for sure, and its great that it has become something people can speak more openly about. As you look back at the field over time, there seems to be a constant ebb and flow of interest in it. Rare actual breakthroughs bring us up, and then thanks to charlatans, fakers and blatant slobs whom only care about themselves, their own fame and finances, we end up back to square one or damned near close to it. These people truly make me sick and I have very little tolerance for them. Especially those who have in fact harmed others by providing misinformation and false hope, all in exchange for monetary gain and success. This bubble too shall pop- nothing goes upwards forever. When it does, those practicing trickery will be exposed and will fade away. I will still be here- I will still be involved in this field- I don't need a show.

PSI-FI: I have always felt that EVP recordings are the most credible of data collected on investigation. They seem to be the least disputed and debunked. What do you feel is the most convincing data collected during an investigation?

DUSTIN: Video that you have taken yourself and you know has not been manipulated, is to me, the best type of evidence. Maybe its because I have spent years as a cameraman for various News organizations and AV companies, or maybe its because it is the truest way to show someone what actually occurred without too much story recreation as to when the EVP or photo was captured- you just push play and it speaks for itself.

PSI-FI: GHI has always been the show to turn to to see the newest available equipment for paranormal research. Will we be seeing more new equipment in the new season?

DUSTIN: I cannot say for fear that the Irishman (Barry) will cripple me with a lightning quick slash of his flashlight.

PSI-FI: I have always been guided by my faith in God in everything I do, especially in paranormal research. I know that you, also, have a very strong faith in God. And I think that is why The Complete Approach is the perfect paranormal manual - it combines the spiritual and the scientific. I feel that, in reality, they can be the perfect combination. How do you feel about teams or researchers who seek proof of the afterlife, yet claim to have little to no belief in God? Can a team operate strictly on a scientific basis, or do you feel there has to be a balance between the spiritual and the scientific?

DUSTIN: Sure you can operate simply on science- and it can be effective. You can also have a sandwich with just peanut butter on it- and it will still satisfy your hunger. But you slap some jelly, Nutella and Fluff on there- and now you have a much more satisfying experience. I find it interesting that some investigators will come out and say they don't believe in spirituality or the afterlife. Who exactly do they think is answering their questions in the dark? I am not saying you have to subscribe to a specific religion or another- though Jesus Christ gets my ringing endorsement as the way to God- not that my endorsement is needed. I just find it hard to believe anyone can investigate this field for years, have the experiences that we do, and not think that a spiritual afterlife is a reality.

PSI-FI: We recently spoke to Barry Fitzgerald, and he admitted to a fear of mannequins. Do you have any fears?

DUSTIN: I live in faith, not in fear. That being said, I am not terribly fond of walking down those long prison hallways on investigations- I don't like when things surprise me like that. I also live in constant concern about living in a world without Italian bread. I mean, if the world was to come to an apocalyptic type state tomorrow- I think I could survive- I'm just that type of guy, but who would be there to make my loaf of Sicilian bread without which my Sunday mornings would be a nightmare? I shudder at the thought... maybe I should look into getting a recipe and locking it down in a vault...

PSI-FI: If your children wanted to pursue paranormal research, what advice would you give them?

DUSTIN: 1. Be sure you are in a solid place emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically- with these things in balance you can proceed without much concern.

2. Do it for the right reasons. Reality television isn't what everyone thinks it is. Sure signing autographs at Target is okay, and the look on a child's face when they meet you can be priceless, but if you are thinking of getting into this field to get a show- you are not doing it for the right reasons and in the end you will be discrediting the field more than helping it. Just go on a game show if you need 15 minutes of fame.

3. Wear comfortable shoes- this is pretty much always good advice regardless of what you want to be. Unless your hearts desire is to do something barefoot.

PSI-FI: Are there any upcoming events that you would like to tell us about?

DUSTIN: May 29th and 30th I will be in Clinton, New Jersey at The Red Mill with Kris Williams, Joe Chin and Bruce Tango. Tickets for the 30th are still available in limited supply. Then on June 18th I am really looking forward to investigating a haunted Mortuary in New Orleans with John Zaffis. I've been told this place has some really strange occurrences. There are literally like 2 tickets left for this if at all. Both of these events can be seen at Ideal Events Management as most my events can. Check out Paranormal Rockstar for all my events, my blogs and my own Paranormal RockStar merchandise.

PSI-FI: You and the entire GHI team have always been so appreciative of your fans, always approachable, and always try to make yourself available to answer questions, emails, etc. Some get sidetracked by "fame", and that just hasn't happened with the GHI team. What would you like to say to those who respect your work, admire you, and watch faithfully each week?

DUSTIN: I don't think we are such a big deal. I know I'm not. I give all my glory to God and do everything I do for him and for my family whom he has so generously bestowed upon me. I truly do appreciate being given the opportunities I have been given to teach others about this field, but more importantly I feel honored to be able to make the attempt each and every day to inspire those around me, those on the media sites like Twitter, FB etc- to live more positive lives, to treat others with respect regardless of our differences, and to try and leave this world and every situation we encounter, just a little bit better than we found it. Rock On and God Bless!

Thanks to our friend, Dustin Pari! We will keep you updated on Dustin's events and appearances!

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