Paranormal Cops - Q&A: Ron Fabiani

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What first got you interested in the paranormal?

Growing up hearing stories about supposed haunted locations from relatives intrigued me. I think it was because these were people I knew vs. unknown people and locations. I was more intrigued than intimidated by the concept. I found it quite fascinating at a young age.

How do you use the skills you learned as a cop to solve paranormal cases?

We secure the perimeter in order to maintain the integrity of the scene. We do this with exterior stationary cameras, police line tape and we seal all exterior doors with evidence tape. If a door is opened, the ripped tape reveals that we have had a breach. We want to prevent contamination to our scene. Our video cameras and audio recorders are packaged, sealed and inventoried at the end of an investigation. We document the chain of custody to insure nothing is tampered with. Just like interviewing a suspect that I want to talk to me, I try to establish a rapport with any would be spirits rather than provoke.

What is the most interesting or disturbing case you’ve ever encountered?

We did an investigation at a banquet hall. The things that unfolded were over the top. We had a lot of things occur but when we connected the dots, the overall understanding of what took place was overwhelming. Cases like these are what force me to re-think everything that I thought I knew.

How would you convince a skeptic that what you deal with is the real thing?

I would not try to convince anyone to change their views. I might invite a skeptic to attend an investigation, be present for the review and our results. And ask him/her to explain what took place.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job with the CPD?

We are in a field where we can give people answers where nobody would think any answers exist. We can put someones mind at ease one way or another based on our results. Helping people with closure. Showing people there is nothing to fear.

What do your fellow cops think about your night job as a paranormal investigator?

We say within the CPD that there are 3 categories of people. Believers, non-believers and the largest percentage, concealed believers. I'd say that most cops fall into the concealed category. We have gotten nothing but support from our co-workers. Of course the locker room humor exists but we are grateful for the support we have.

Can you tell us about a time where your experience with the paranormal has helped you with one of your police investigations?

I haven't had any examples of this, yet.

What is your personal opinion about what it’s like on the other side?

Of course I have no idea but I have questioned, "who is afraid of who?" I wonder why apparent ‘spirits” seem reluctant at times to interact. Im not sure why certain people return and others don’t. Through our experiences, it does seem that “spirits” are somewhat intimidated by us as well.

Why do you think some spirits need to communicate with the living?

Rather than speculate, we try to find these answers from them.

What do you hope viewers will take away from Paranormal Cops?

I hope that people understand that we are not hobbyists. We are investigators by profession. We approach things differently, we use our medium differently, we have a lot at stake which is also very different. Evidence is crucial. We are realists who tell it like it is. If we have some substantial evidence which we conclude to be paranormal, we tell people, if they cant deal with this then move away. Although Moriah may have ways of comforting people etc. CPD as a whole does not claim to “cleanse houses”. If it cant be recorded, its not evidence.

We don’t really react as one would think given the situations we are in, and there is a reason. As cops, we disconnect from our emotions every day in order to successfully perform our duties. This makes us appear emotionless or cold at times. It is a survival instinct and our protection. A shield we put up. We do the same thing with investigating the paranormal. Our instinct is to remain in the environment and perform our duties. We have to be professional and provide a service for the people who requested us. If we want to be upset, it has to be done at a later time elsewhere. But while we are in the moment, freaking out is not an option.