Sacramento, CA
David Bender, Founder and Leader
June 18, 2007
1. What got you interested in the paranormal?
I have always been interested in the paranormal. Ever since I was a little kid. We always told
ghost stories in my family. With my Native American background, this field was something that
was always accepted and talked about. It was normal.
2. How do you envision the services that API provides?
I believe that we come from the service field, where someone calls with a problem and it is our job
to go in and assist them with that problem. This will either put their mind at ease or allow the
opportunity to have another path to get help. We also work with businesses that mostly have a
curiosity or an interest. Either way, we try to answer their questions or provide them with some
kind of solution to their problem or question.
3. Why did you want to get involved in a TV show?
I have always wanted to be involved with a TV show. I have a theater background from college
and have acted in a few lower budget films, written a few scripts, and done some theater. I love
being in front of the camera. It is one of my callings. When this opportunity presented itself, I
jumped at it. I am excited and proud to have this opportunity to showcase our group.
4. What do you hope comes from showing your investigations on TV?
I hope that with this particular show, we can show what our group is
really like. What you see on TV is how we really are. There are no scripts, no set ups. I think
that everyone will get to see a little bit of who we are and what we are about. I think that it will
bring in other investigations outside of the Halloween time when we are the busiest.
5. What is your goal overall?
I would like to be able to work in the paranormal full time and earn a living. I would like to have the
television show become successful and have a career with it. Also, I would like for my scripts to
be optioned by a production company and to see them on the big screen one day.
6. Do you feel that API provides a necessary service?
Absolutely. I believe that we embrace the Native American principles of assisting those in need
and never charging for our services. We function best when we help others who reach out and
need our help.
7. Why don't more people come forward when they think they may have a
haunting occurring?
I think that the primary reason is that people feel embarrassed or ashamed about the activity.
They often feel that everyone will make fun of them or not take them seriously.
8. How do you correlate the evidence gathered during investigations?
Typically we utilize three phases during the investigation. First, we have the preliminary, where
we go to the home or business and gather as much information as we can. The second phase is
the scientific portion of the investigation. Here we utilize the equipment, gathering readings and
noting the natural environment. The last phase is the sensitive/experiment portion of the
investigation, where we will conduct experiments and attempt to make contact with any potential
entity present. We will gather photos, EVPs, video, and other evidence, examine it, and make a
determination.
9. How do you approach each investigation? How do you deal with the people
who think they may have a haunting?
We approach each investigation individually. We go in and listen to their stories and take each
claim seriously. We try to develop a rapport with the people who think that they may have a
haunting to help ease their minds a little.
10. How are you treated in public when people realize that you are a
paranormal investigator?
Surprisingly we have been met with a lot of enthusiasm and interest. I expected that there
would be a lot more people out there who were looking to make fun of or discredit what we do.
There have been a lot of people who have been more curious and interested in what we do.
11. Have you ever had anybody react to what you do negatively?
We have had a few people who react negatively and respond that we are crazy
for what we do and it's not real. You take the good and the bad and we just
continue to focus on doing good work and helping others.
12. What do you do when you aren't investigating?
I work in the social services, and it's very demanding work. For fun, I like to go to the movies, play
pool, darts, sports, go to the gym.
13. What investigation sticks out in your mind?
I would have to say that the investigation in Roseville does, because one we were able to help out
the resident and two, the other team members worked together as a cohesive unit. I was very
proud of the group.
14. How do you apply your heritage to the investigations?
I oftentimes will provide a silent blessing for the group before we go in. I have on occasion
perfumed cleansings and blessings for residences, as well as made medicine bags for individuals
who have requested them.
15. What do you have to say to those who think they might be living in a haunted
house or own a building?
First of all, take a moment to think about what is happening. There could very well be a logical
explanation for what is occurring. Also, if there is activity, make sure you document what it is
that is happening. A lot of information can be collected that can be useful if you decide that an
investigation is an option for you. Lastly, embrace your family. Family can be a great way of
combating or eliminating unwanted activity. Be good to one another.
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