Jason Hawes and the TAPS team bring decades of paranormal investigation experience to every case, combining technical equipment with structured investigation methodology. Their organized approach to evidence collection has shaped modern paranormal research and reality television.
Through years of fieldwork, the team refines techniques for documenting unexplained phenomena while balancing skepticism and open-minded analysis. This article outlines their workflow, tools, and impact on the paranormal community.
| Team Member | Role in TAPS | Key Expertise | Notable Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jason Hawes | Founder & Lead Investigator | Paranormal investigation, equipment design | Establishing evidence standards |
| Grant Wilson | Co-founder & Technical Lead | Electronics, audio/video documentation | Developing investigation protocols |
| Dave Tango | Senior Investigator | Case management, client communication | High-profile location assessments |
| Steve Gonsalves | Investigator & Researcher | Data analysis, historical research | Pattern recognition in haunting reports |
Evidence Collection Methodology
TAPS prioritizes systematic evidence gathering, starting with thorough walkthroughs and environmental baseline measurements. Team members document temperature fluctuations, electromagnetic fields, and ambient audio before classifying anything as anomalous.
Baseline Documentation
Before investigating active claims, the team records normal environmental readings throughout the structure. This baseline allows clearer comparison when unusual spikes occur during the investigation session.
Multi-Sensor Correlations
The group cross-references data from audio recorders, EMF meters, thermographic cameras, and motion sensors to build coherent narratives around each event. Only when multiple sensors capture related patterns do they consider an experience as potential evidence.
Equipment and Technology Standards
Jason Hawes/Taps relies on calibrated tools rather than consumer gadgets, ensuring measurements remain defensible in research contexts. Their gear list balances scientific rigor with practical field deployment.
| Equipment Type | Model or Specification | Purpose | Validation Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Thermometer | Laser-assisted with data logging | Track rapid temperature changes | Compare against environmental baseline |
| EMF Meter | Tri-axis meter covering 1–10,000 mG | Monitor electromagnetic fluctuations | Rule out wiring and appliance interference |
| Digital Recorder | High-resolution audio capture | Collect EVPs and ambient sounds | Analyze frequency patterns and filter noise |
| Infrared Camera | Multi-spectral imaging with frame sync | Visualize heat patterns and movement | Correlate with thermal spot checks |
Case Assessment Process
Each case follows a structured sequence that balances client concerns with scientific verification. The team separates subjective experiences from measurable data to avoid confirmation bias during review sessions.
Client Interview
Jason Hawes/Taps begins with detailed discussions about specific events, timestamps, and environmental context. This step ensures investigations address the location’s most troubling experiences rather than generic assumptions.
On-Site Investigation
During the visit, investigators rotate through designated zones while maintaining consistent equipment placement. Logs track time, location, and readings so every anomaly can be reviewed against known variables and environmental changes.
Community Impact and Training
The team’s methodology has influenced how both amateur and professional investigators structure their own work. By sharing protocols and encouraging disciplined note-taking, Jason Hawes/Taps helps raise standards across the field.
Educational Outreach
Workshops and public demonstrations teach audiences how to set up controlled experiments and interpret data responsibly. This focus on education reduces sensationalism and encourages careful analysis of possible paranormal activity.
Professional Standards and Evolution
Continual refinement of techniques, transparent reporting, and openness to new technologies keep Jason Hawes/Taps at the forefront of responsible paranormal research. Their structured framework serves as a model for teams seeking credibility and rigor.
- Establish environmental baselines before testing anomalies
- Correlate multiple sensor readings to identify patterns
- Document every step of the investigation process clearly
- Share methods and data to support independent verification
FAQ
Reader questions
How does Jason Hawes/Taps differentiate genuine anomalies from environmental noise?
The team requires correlation across multiple sensors and repeated observations under controlled conditions before labeling an event as potentially paranormal.
Can clients request specific locations within a property to be investigated first?
Yes, Jason Hawes/Taps prioritizes areas highlighted by clients, ensuring the investigation addresses the most distressing experiences while maintaining systematic data collection.
What happens to the collected evidence after an investigation concludes?
All digital and annotated data is archived, and clients receive a detailed report with raw readings, timestamps, and analysis notes for independent review.
Does the team ever use prayer or ritual as part of their investigation process?
While personal practices vary, Jason Hawes/Taps focuses on scientific documentation and hypothesis testing rather than ritual actions during evidence gathering.