Sandy Oates
PTF/MPR Case Management Coordinator
Sandy Oates is currently the Case Management Coordinator and an investigator with Paranormal Taskforce/MPR Division. She was accepted on the Team in June of 2006.
Sandy is a small business owner with 18 years experience in social service and law enforcement. She also holds a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice/minor in Sociology. She enjoys investigating the paranormal as well as researching and is looking forward to further developing her skills in these areas with PTF/MPR.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: WWW.PARANORMALTASKFORCE.COM
20 QUESTIOS WITH SANDY OATES
1. Where do you see ghost hunting and paranormal groups, web sites or Ghost information, tours, Books Paranormal Radio and Television in 10 years?
Answer: I believe we will continue to see an ever increasing amount of interest in the paranormal in general. More people are beginning to share their experiences and I do believe that people are becoming more aware of paranormal events happening around them.
2. What would you personally consider to be the definitive proof that ghosts are real?
Answer: Through personal experiences, I already believe ghosts do exist.
3. What is the most real evidence you personally have uncovered so far?
Answer: The most real evidence to me was gained through a personal experience and was not recorded or documented.
4. Are you skeptical of the claims others make of their findings?
Answer: Yes, I think you need to be skeptical investigating the paranormal or with most things in life. With so many teams of investigators, there are those that are less than honest and lack professional ethics.
5. If you could investigate your "Dream Haunted Hot Spot" where would it be?
Answer: The vaults of Edinburgh Scotland, Edinburgh Castle and The Lighthouse Inn
6. What was your first Paranormal encounter?
Answer: I had an experience in which I seen a full apparition standing right next to me, it was on my right side. It was gone very quickly, but I remember vividly the color of the shirt and general facial features, and most of all that he smiled at me. This experience proved to me that spirit world is real.
7. What scares you about Ghost Hunting or Paranormal Investigations?
Answer: I am actually more concerned with the human elements and meeting up with uninvited humans on investigation locations. I personally have never felt physically threatened during an investigation but remain cautious as I’ve heard the stories of others in my group who have been affected physically.
8. If you could work side by side with one of the Paranormal Investigator greats, who would it be?
I would love to accompany Patrick Burns on an investigation. He seems extremely knowledgeable and has cool toys! But I do have to say that I have the privilege to investigate with Greg Myers of Paranormal Task Force. In the year I’ve been with the team, I have learned a great deal from Greg. He has a great talent in approaching the investigations scientifically while not forgetting the wellbeing and needs of the clients we serve.
9. Read any good Paranormal Books lately?
I haven’t had much time to read, but the most recent book I enjoyed was “Weird Hauntings”.
10. What Question do people ask you most when you tell them you’re a paranormal investigator, Radio Personality?
They usually say…Really? And may laugh….then go right on the describe a paranormal event that either happened to them or a family member or friend.
11. In your opinion, where is the most Haunted city in America?
I would say that Gettysburg would rate pretty high.
12. Do you feel more people should get involved with Ghost hunting or Paranormal Investigation?
I think it is an ever growing field of interest in this country as well as around the world. I hope for more professional and serious investigators, ones who take it serious and not just out for a thrill on a Friday night.
13. What does the future hold for you?
I hope to continue as a member of Paranormal Task Force/Missouri Paranormal Research for years to come.
Chris Fleming, Sandy Oates and Patrick Burns at Louisville Ghost Hunters 2007 Paranormal Convention
14. Paranormal Conventions do you see them growing? And which ones are the Must go to ones?
I have only been to one and that was the Louisville Ghost Hunters convention, The Mid-South Paranormal Convention. It was great!!! I met so many wonderful people and learned a lot all at the same time. Only problem, it ended too quickly!
15. What is your most favored tool of the trade?
Digital Voice Recorder, Night Shot Camcorder
16. Tell us about your best moment in investigating or conference attending for you?
The best even while investigating was when the “blue ghost” video was captured by PTF/MPR investigator Tom Halstead. I was present when it was played on the camera, just after recorded. It was amazing!
17. What is the hardest part about being a paranormal investigator?
I own and operate a small business and sometimes it can be difficult to balance work and have time to attend investigations.
Greg Myers and Sandy Oates at The LGHS 2007 Convention . Photo by Bobby T of LGHS
18. How do you document your investigations?
PTF/MPR has specific guideline for the gathering of all information throughout the entire process so that when it comes time to complete the final report, all the information has been gathered and can be documented.
19. Have you ever taken a ghost Tour? And, What about it did you not like?
I have taken several, mostly in Edinburgh Scotland when traveling to visit my husband’s family. Most were great, but I didn’t care for the ones that had dressed up actor jumping out and yelling ”boo”.
20. What in the field of ghost hunting and Paranormal Investigating needs the most attention?
More professional and ethical investigators to bring increase credibility
to the field.
