Confidentiality:

                  Because of the sensitive and controversial nature of NIDS' primary research
                  topic, it is not our policy to comment on the sources or methods of obtaining
                  research information. NIDS obtains and creates multiple databases in the fields
                  of UFO research, abduction, and animal mutilation, and in doing so, the
                  identities and contact details of individuals are protected or redacted. Unless
                  otherwise approved, NIDS never releases the names or identifying details of
                  any UFO eyewitnesses, abductees, or in the cases involving animal mutilations,
                  ranchers. All individuals and consultants who work for NIDS sign a
                  non-disclosure agreement. NIDS has physicians, psychologists, and
                  professional scientists from government and university labs on its science
                  advisory board who help in maintaining the highest ethical research principles.

    Publication:

                  NIDS policy is to publish only what we consider we can stand behind. NIDS 
                  publishes in the peer reviewed scientific literature, on the website
                  (www.nidsci.org), and in other appropriate media. If we publish speculation
                  we identify it as such.

                 
     Investigations:

       NIDS prefers to conduct low-profile investigations outside the glare of the media
       so that eyewitness confidentiality and evidence can be preserved. In situations where
       that becomes difficult, the priority is to preserve confidentiality of eyewitnesses,
       experiencers, or animal owners. NIDS employs full time Ph.D scientists and ex-law
       enforcement officers to conduct scientific analysis and investigations. NIDS follows law
       enforcement procedures, methodology, and ethics in conducting investigations. This
       includes the use of forensic approaches and establishing appropriate chain of custody
       for physical evidence. Telephone investigation to establish corroborative eyewitness
       testimony is followed by on-site visits in those cases that are deemed of sufficient
       interest. Interviews are tape-recorded. Locations are videotaped.

      * A report is generated. If the results are inconclusive, preliminary, or confidential,
         the report remains internal.

   Analysis:

      
       NIDS has signed contracts with a number of laboratories in the United States to conduct
       materials analysis, biological analysis, chemical analysis, and veterinary pathology analysis.
       Signed statements of work are mutually faxed before the analysis begins.

       * Non-destructive  analysis is preferred.
       * The emphasis is on high quality work and fast turnaround.
       * In some cases, more than one lab conducts analysis and results are compared.

                           A report of the analysis is received by NIDS within two or three weeks of the samples
                           being shipped.
                           The results of this report are incorporated into the final NIDS report.