1970s - BUFORA NIC First Edition

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA
Issue: First Edition
Document Type: Magazine Issue
Publisher: BUFORA
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This document, titled 'BUFORA: The NIC Guide: INVESTIGATION', is a first edition booklet compiled by Jenny Randles, with cover design by Roy Sandbach. It serves as a guide for field investigators associated with BUFORA (British UFO Research Association) and its National Investigations Committee (NIC).

Part (1): The Aims of Investigation

The booklet's primary purpose is to clarify the structure and content of a BUFORA case report, acting as an addition to the existing field investigators manual. It stresses three core duties for investigators:

1. Thoroughness and Honesty: Investigators must always remember that the vast majority of UFO sightings (nine out of ten) have conventional explanations (termed IFOs - Identified Flying Objects). If an investigator's case evaluations consistently fall below a high percentage of conventional explanations, they should question their own efficiency in searching for simple resolutions.
2. Responsibility to the Witness and Code of Practice: Investigators must adhere strictly to the BUFORA Code of Practice. This involves asking probing questions when necessary, even about a witness's integrity, while balancing this with the need to protect identities and reputations. Sensitive or embarrassing information should be kept separate from the main file, visible only to authorized personnel.
3. Objective Presentation of Facts: While acknowledging that some sightings may reflect phenomena at the 'fuzzy edges of scientific understanding', investigators must present facts objectively. Their personal opinions should not dictate or dominate the case file. The objective is to create historical archives for future researchers, ensuring that even decades later, a well-compiled case file clearly presents the witness's claim and provides enough data for others to form their own opinions.

Part (2): Selection of Cases

This section addresses how investigators discover cases. Methods include receiving letters from witnesses who have read published books, subscribing to a press cutting agency that provides reports on local sightings, and establishing links with sources like police stations, local newspapers, and airports. It is advised that investigators establish their credentials as serious and responsible before expecting to channel sightings directly. The guide emphasizes the importance of being cautious in public statements and of having an AI (Accredited Investigator) card and completed case files as evidence of professionalism.

Key criteria for selecting cases for in-depth investigation are highlighted. While all reports should be acknowledged, investigators are encouraged to be selective. Cases that warrant more attention are those with potential physical traces, reported injury to the witness, effects on vehicles, sightings of occupants, clear time lapses, witness psychological trauma (like nightmares), or multiple unrelated witnesses observing the event from different locations. Focusing on these types of cases maximizes investigator efficiency.

Part (3): Using the Checklist

This section introduces a checklist designed for convenience during investigations. It advises investigators to keep the checklist updated with current advisor and officer details. Investigators will typically be notified of cases by a Regional Investigations Coordinator (RIC) or the Director of Investigations. The checklist is a guide, not a rigid set of rules, and investigators must be satisfied that each step has been taken or be able to justify why it was not.

UFO investigation is described as time-consuming but crucial for the credibility of the field. Investigators must maintain their AI status through responsible and analytical work. Making an early assessment of likely explanations, such as air traffic movements, is vital, as data logging periods can be limited. The guide strongly recommends consulting specialist advisors *after* witness interviews. These advisors include:

• Astronomical Advisor: For information on bright meteors, stars, planets, or satellite re-entries. Requires date, time (GMT), and precise location.
• Medical/Hypnotic Regression Advisor: For cases suggesting physiological effects on the witness or contemplating hypnosis (adhering to strict Code of Practice guidelines).
• Photographic Analysis Advisor: For evaluating photographic evidence.
• Physical Traces Advisor: For examining soil, plant, grass, or tree samples.
• Meteorological Advisor: For understanding atmospheric phenomena, though not for general weather reports.

BUFORA provides several forms, including a standard R1 form for general purposes, which should always be accompanied by the investigator's evaluation of the case's probable solution. Specialized forms exist for photographic, vehicle, and physical effects cases. A computer data sheet is mandatory as a frontispiece for all submitted case files to facilitate data transfer.

Part (4): Designing Your Case File

BUFORA prefers a degree of standardization in case files to make comparison easier for researchers. The proposed structure includes:

• A computer data form and general data cover as the frontispiece.
• A brief introduction (1-2 paragraphs) to the case and its solution.
• Details on how the case was received and the stages of investigation.
• Full details on the site and the witness(es).
• A fully described account of the events.
• Details of the investigation work undertaken to find a solution.
• Justified conclusions, explaining any proposed solution or why the case remains unidentified.

All other supporting data, such as BUFORA forms, sketches, site maps, site photographs, and interview transcripts, should be included as appendices at the end of the file.

The booklet also lists recommended reading: 'The UFO Handbook' by Allan Hendry and 'UFO Study' by Jenny Randles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are the rigorous methodology of UFO investigation, the ethical responsibilities of investigators, the importance of evidence-based analysis, and the role of BUFORA as a historical archive. The editorial stance is one of professionalism, objectivity, and a commitment to advancing the understanding of UFO phenomena through systematic research, while maintaining a healthy skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims.