1982 - Code of Practice for Investigators

Magazine Overview

This document, titled 'CODE OF PRACTICE for UFO INVESTIGATORS', is an article published in April 1982, authored by Jenny Randles. It details a newly established code of conduct for individuals and groups investigating UFO phenomena in Britain.

The Need for a Code of Practice

The article begins by highlighting the lack of emphasis on the practice and conduct of UFO investigators, despite the emotive nature of the subject and the potential psychological impact on witnesses. Jenny Randles stresses that investigators often deal with individuals who have undergone harrowing experiences, and their role extends beyond merely investigating a story to providing support and ethical treatment.

Randles points out that ufologists have historically struggled with cooperation, leading to internal strife that has been counterproductive and detrimental to the interests of witnesses. To address this, various investigator groups met in early 1981 to discuss future cooperation. This led to the formation of a working party that developed a 'code of ethics' or 'code of conduct', which has now been formalized as a 'CODE of PRACTICE'.

Formulation and Adoption of the Code

The 'CODE of PRACTICE' was formulated through a series of meetings held in Nottingham, London, Swindon, and Bristol between March 1981 and February 1982. The final draft was reviewed by a solicitor before its presentation to the wider ufological community. The code is presented as a triumph of cooperation, setting out principles that investigators should ideally follow. It is emphasized that without adherence by investigators, the code would be meaningless.

The organizations involved in drafting the code include: British UFO Research Association (BUFORA), UFO Investigators Network (UFOIN), Northern UFO Network (NUFON), Nottingham UFO Investigation Society (NUFOIS), Manchester UFO Research Assn. (MUFORA), and Swindon Centre for UFO Research and Investigation (SCUFORI). PROBE Research Group (Bristol) was also instrumental, with Geoff Bird of PROBE being credited with suggesting the initiative. Contact UK and British UFO Society (BUFOS) participated in some stages of the discussions.

A Supervisory Body for Britain has been established, comprising representatives from these key groups. Investigators associated with these groups are required to sign an undertaking to follow the code. The public is invited to make specific complaints regarding any abuse of the code to the concerned organization, which will then be passed to the Supervisory Body for decision and action.

Structure and Content of the Code

The 'CODE OF PRACTICE for UFO INVESTIGATORS' is divided into three main sections:

Section One: Responsibility to the Witness

This section emphasizes the confidentiality of witness identity, which MUST not be disclosed without written consent. Witnesses MUST be advised of the consequences of releasing information. Interviews should ideally be conducted by two investigators, with a female investigator present if the witness is a woman or child under 16. Requests for a third party to be present during an interview MUST be honored. If a witness refuses to cooperate, they MUST not be approached further, with the option for contact resting with the witness. Investigators MUST not enter private property without permission and are liable for any damage caused. Specialized techniques, such as hypnosis, should only be used with written consent and by qualified practitioners under the guidance of a medically qualified psychologist. Witnesses are entitled to be informed of conclusions reached, and their health and welfare should always be considered.

Section Two: Responsibility to the Public

Investigators MUST cooperate fully with the police and other official bodies, especially concerning national security. If a dangerous situation or potential for property damage arises during an investigation, investigators MUST immediately notify the police or other responsible body and take steps to protect the public and property. Information gained during interviews should not be prematurely released to the news media, nor should unsupported statements be issued. Investigators are reminded that they have no special privilege and may be required to disclose confidential information to the courts.

Section Three: Responsibility to Ufology

The free flow of information should not be restricted for personal gain. Investigators should make data available promptly to accredited investigators, giving due credit to the source. Interviews regarding cases of high strangeness should be electronically recorded unless the witness objects. Reports should indicate the persons present during interviews and their status. Confidential information MUST not be included in the EDITED report intended for external use. The witness's identity is confidential and MUST not be included in the EDITED report. It may be desirable to restrict details of the time, place, and circumstances of the incident to those researchers who 'need to know' to protect witnesses in sensitive occupations. Investigators should not discuss personal theories with a witness during an investigation.

Declaration of Adoption

The document concludes with a 'DECLARATION of the ADOPTION of the CODE of PRACTICE for UFO INVESTIGATORS', dated February 1982. Individuals signing this declaration agree to be registered as a subscriber, conform to the clauses and principles of the code, and understand they may be required to account to the Supervisory Body for any failure to conform.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are the professionalization of UFO investigation, the ethical treatment of witnesses, inter-group cooperation within the ufological community, and the importance of maintaining public trust. The editorial stance is strongly in favor of establishing and adhering to a formal code of conduct to elevate the credibility and effectiveness of UFO investigation.