1997 - Code of Practice for Investigators

Magazine Overview

This document is the 1997 Code of Practice for UFO Investigators, published by BUFORA (The British UFO Research Association). It is an updated version of the original 1982 Code, reflecting changes within BUFORA and the broader field of British UFOlogy over the intervening 15 years. The document emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct, co-operation among investigators, and the welfare of witnesses.

The 1997 Code of Practice

The 1997 Code of Practice is presented as an updated version of the 1982 document, with minor changes. It is specifically written for BUFORA investigators who are answerable to the BUFORA NIC. The structure and core items of the Code remain largely unchanged, with a new numbering system introduced for easier reference. A new paragraph (6.12) addresses BUFORA's continuing moratorium on the use of regression hypnosis as an investigative tool, highlighting doubts about its validity and concerns for witness welfare. The document acknowledges a historical lack of co-operation among ufologists but states BUFORA's intention to lead by example towards higher standards of UFO investigation and reporting.

Introduction to the Original 1982 Version of the Code of Practice

This section provides context for the original 1982 Code. It notes that while some groups had published handbooks, little emphasis had been placed on the practice and conduct of investigators during investigations. Recognizing the emotive nature of the subject and the potential for misrepresentation, the Code was developed to address the need for better practice and conduct. The introduction highlights that ufologists have historically had a poor record for co-operation, leading to internal strife that was counterproductive and detrimental to witnesses. In early 1981, various investigator groups met to discuss co-operation, resulting in a working party to create a "code of ethics" or "code of conduct," which evolved into the "Code of Practice." This code was formulated through meetings in Nottingham, London, Swindon, and Bristol between March 1981 and February 1982, and was vetted by a solicitor before its release. The document describes the Code as a triumph of co-operation, setting out principles that investigators ideally should follow. It is presented to the whole UFO community for consideration and adoption.

The code was drafted by several organizations: The British UFO Research Association (BUFORA), the UFO Investigators Network (UFOIN), the Northern UFO Network (NUFON), the Nottingham UFO Investigation Society (NUFOIS), the Manchester UFO Research Association (MUFORA), the Swindon Centre for UFO Research and Investigation (SCUFORI), and PROBE Research Group, Bristol. Contact UK and the British UFO Society (BUFOS) also participated. These groups formed a supervisory body for Britain, requiring their members to sign an undertaking to follow the code. The public is invited to make specific complaints regarding any abuse of the code to this Supervisory Body.

Jenny Randles concludes the introduction by thanking contributors and quoting Geoff Bird of PROBE: "Great trees can from little acorns grow."

The Code of Practice for UFO Investigators

Introduction

A. The Code aims to regulate UFO investigation by groups, organizations, and lone investigators.
B. It is based on proposals discussed by leading national and local UFO organizations on specific dates in 1981.
C. UFO groups, organizations, and lone investigators are invited to subscribe to the Code.
D. Investigators associated with subscribing groups must also subscribe.
E. A supervisory body, composed of members from leading UFO organizations, will administer the Code.
F. For BUFORA members, the National Investigations Committee of BUFORA will serve as the supervisory body.

Definitions

1. Preamble: Words have commonly accepted meanings, with doubts resolved by reference to the Concise Oxford English Dictionary. "Investigator" includes lone investigators and UFO organizations. Singular and plural forms are interchangeable.
2. Directive Verbs: "Must" indicates mandatory action. "Shall" or "should" indicates strongly recommended (discretionary) action. "Desirable" indicates preferable action.
3. Reports: "Original report" is the investigator's filed report, potentially containing confidential material. "Edited report" is cleared for general distribution, possibly rewritten, and must not contain confidential material.
4. Classification: "Confidential information" is information not to be disclosed generally.
5. Publication: Includes periodicals, newspapers, books, and electronic media.

Code of Practice Sections

• The code consists of three main sections:
• Responsibility to the witness
• Responsibility to the public
• Responsibility to UFOlogy

#### 6. Responsibility to the Witness

• Confidentiality (6.1): A witness's identity and contact information are confidential and must not be disclosed without written consent. This includes name, address, and place of work.
• Consequences of Release (6.2): Witnesses must be advised of the consequences if their information is released.
• Interviews (6.3, 6.4): Interviews should ideally be by prior appointment and conducted by two investigators. If the witness is female or a minor, one investigator should be female.
• Third-Party Presence (6.5): Requests for a third party to be present during an interview must be honored.
• Co-operation Refusal (6.6): If a witness refuses to co-operate, they must not be approached further; the option for contact rests with the witness.
• Private Property (6.7): Investigators must not enter private property without permission.
• Damage to Property (6.8): Any damage caused by an investigator must be made good by that investigator.
• Specialised Techniques (6.9): Specialised techniques or equipment require the witness's written consent and must be used only by fully qualified practitioners. (See 6.12 for regression hypnosis).
• Informing Witness of Conclusions (6.10): Witnesses are entitled to be informed of the conclusions reached if they request it.
• Health and Welfare (6.11): The health and welfare of the witness should always be given due consideration.
• Regression Hypnosis (6.12): BUFORA NIC has a moratorium on regression hypnosis due to concerns about its unreliability and potential for distorting witness accounts. Investigators must point out these problems and that hypnosis may accentuate psychological issues. If a witness insists, it should be treated as a therapeutic tool independent of the investigation, and a qualified practitioner or BUFORA's Psychological Consultants should be recommended. BUFORA investigators belonging to other groups are expected to adhere to this moratorium in all their investigative procedures.

#### 7. Responsibility to the Public

• Co-operation with Authorities (7.1): Investigators must co-operate fully with police and other official bodies, especially in matters affecting national security.
• Dangerous Situations (7.2): If an investigation encounters a dangerous situation or risks damage to property, the investigator must immediately notify the police or responsible body and take steps to protect the public and property.
• Media Information (7.3, 7.4): Information gained during interviews must not be made available prematurely to the news media. Unsupported statements to the media concerning any case are prohibited.
• Legal Disclosure (7.5): Investigators have no special privilege and may be required to disclose confidential information in a court of law.

#### 8. Responsibility to UFOlogy

• Information Flow (8.1): Information should not be restricted for personal gain. Data should be made available promptly to accredited investigators with due credit.
• Recording Interviews (8.2): Interviews regarding high strangeness cases should be recorded (audio, video, etc.) unless the witness objects.
• Reporting Interviewers (8.3): Reports should indicate the persons present and their status during interviews.
• Confidentiality in Reports (8.4): Confidential information must not be included in the edited report, which is for external use. Witness identity must not be included in the edited report unless released by the witness. Details of time, place, and circumstances may be restricted to those who 'need to know' to protect witnesses in sensitive occupations.
• Personal Theories (8.5): Investigators should not discuss their personal theories with a witness during an investigation.

Declaration of Adoption

The document concludes with a declaration for investigators to sign, affirming that they have read and understood the Code of Practice, wish to be registered as a subscriber, will conform to its clauses, and understand they may be required to account for any failure to do so to the supervisory body.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are professionalism, ethical conduct, and co-operation within the UFO research community. BUFORA, through this Code of Practice, aims to elevate the standards of UFO investigation by emphasizing responsibility towards witnesses, the public, and the field of UFOlogy itself. The editorial stance is one of promoting rigorous, ethical, and transparent investigation practices, with a clear commitment to witness welfare and a cautious approach to unverified techniques like regression hypnosis. The document strongly advocates for a unified and responsible approach to UFO investigation, moving away from past internal strife and towards a more credible and professional image for the field.