Are there any common misunderstandings and false stereotypes about ghost hunting and paranormal investigations?

I would have to say probably the biggest thing is people believe what they see on TV and it's usually not that way. It's actually quite boring at times. You can sit there all night long and have milder experiences. Also there's a lot of behind-the-scenes work to do too, gathering evidence and reviewing it when you get home.

What types of haunting are most common in the D.C. area?

I would probably say intelligent haunting. Intelligent haunting is a haunting where the spirit can actually communicate with you ... it can understand what you're saying and actually respond back.

What is the most interesting local case you've ever taken?

Probably the most interesting one is a place up in Stephenson [Va.] called Jordan Springs. ... It was an old Indian burial ground area and used to be a Civil War hospital, and now it's an events center. There are tons of spirits on that property.

Where are some of the most haunted places in the D.C. area?

Jordan Springs is one them. There's also one in Brentsville [Va.] -- it's an old Civil War jail. And also one that we've documented very well is a place called the Christmas Attic, and that's in Alexandria. It used to be like an old merchant ship warehouse, and now they sell Christmas supplies.

-- Alana Goodman

Warfield is chief of operations and lead investigator of the D.C. Metro Area Ghost Watchers. He began investigating paranormal activities in the Washington area after retiring from the Navy in 2006. The group provides its services for free and can be reached through its Web site, dchauntings.com.