NCJ Number
124094
Journal
Research Update Volume: 1 Issue: 6 Dated: (Winter 1989-1990) Pages: complete issue
Date Published
1990
Length
65 pages
Annotation
This study provides information to California law enforcement officers on the nature of occult crime and occult groups and suggests techniques for identifying and investigating occult crimes.
Abstract
A chapter on the historical roots and contemporary dimensions of occult activity explains the historical origins and contemporary belief systems of four broad types of occult groups currently active in the United States: Neo-Pagans, Wiccans, Cultural Spiritualists, and Satanists. A chapter on the perpetrators and victims of occult crime distinguishes between occult activity and occult crime, describes perpetrator typologies and motives, explains the most common types of occult crimes, and discusses various victim issues. The chapter on the investigation of occult crime identifies barriers to dealing with occult crime, examines the law enforcer's role in occult crime, and lists resources useful to law enforcers in the investigation of occult crime. Special segments of this study focus on seven controversial issues in the "occult debate." Four legal case studies regarding aspects of occult crime are reviewed. 70-item bibliography.