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The Preternatural Research Society came into existence on May 1, 2003. Founded by paranormal investigator Deryl Mitzen, the organization's main mission was to explore the paranormal in ways different from how most other groups were doing it at the time. This meant:
- Working with a small core group of talented individuals
 Although Deryl had been in "public" groups before, it didn't seem like the best way to research cases and build a stellar investigative team. Opting for a close-knit community over a larger, public membership has allowed the PRS members to come to know each other extremely well, and has taught them how to work seamlessly as a team. This has aided them on investigations, especially when dealing with the more unusual cases.
- Embracing psychics and metaphysical techniques in addition to scientific equipment
 Many groups believe in only using "scientific equipment" and "scientific protocol" during investigations, and scoff at the idea of using psychics. What makes this idea seem so unusual is the fact that people are afraid to use paranormal means to study paranormal events! While it IS very important to try to be as "scientific" as possible, ignoring people with paranormal talent while studying the paranormal does nothing but limit investigators during investigations. The PRS incorporates the talents of psychics and mediums in its investigative approach, and this has been met with a great deal of success.
- Employing strict scientific principles (and a little common sense!)
 Even though the PRS does utilize people with psychic gifts, this is never an excuse for sloppy work. The PRS attempts to document each case as thoroughly as possible, producing copius notes, the use of the scientific method during investigations, and taking the time to study both their equipment and the evidence it produces. The PRS has worked with scientists, engineers, psychologists, and otehr professionals in order to better undertsand what it is that they discover. Even steps like taking the time to check the strength of batteries, something that is easy to forget to do, need to be carried out at all times to ensure that an investigation is being carried out correctly.
- Questioning
 Why do ghost hunters believe in what they believe? How exactly does this piece of equipment work? Is what we call "evidence" really evidence at all? When Deryl founded the PRS in 2003, he wanted answers - answers to all kinds of questions that so few people were asking. The PRS is more than a group that carries out investigations - it carries out experiments, performs research, and dares to quesiton a lot of firmly-held beliefs within the ghost community.
Since its inception, the PRS has continued to evolve, reaching out in new directions and working with different individuals. It has continued to hold fast to its core mission statement and Deryl's ideas on how a paranormal organization should operate, and has been a home to many individuals who want to collaborate with fellow investigators while still being free enough to persue their own goals and theories as well. Membership in the PRS is more than just a laminated card and an induction fee. PRS members are able to bring their own talents and ideas to the forefront, and are free to contribute as their time and energy allow.
The PRS is also always willing to work with other individuals within the paranormal community, scientific community, or anyone with a passion for what it is we do. Whether the PRS is consulting on a case or having someone else consult on a case for us, communication and sharing are of vital importance for any paranormal organization.
Please browse through our mission statement, team page, or anywhere else on the site in order to get a better sense of who we are and what makes the PRS so unique. We always welcome comments, questions, suggestions, and criticisms, and you can send them to Deryl here. Enjoy your stay, and maybe we will all meet soon!
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