In addition to this Introduction, the "heart" of this study is contained in three chapters:

Chapter One- Defining Occult Activity: The Historical Roots and Contemporary Dimensions explains the historical origins and contemporary belief systems of four broad types of occult groups which are currently active in the United States: Neo-Pagans, Wiccans, Cultural Spiritualists, and Satanists.

Chapter Two - Defining Occult Crime: The Perpetrators, Their Actions and The victims makes the distinct differentiation between occult activity and occult crime, describes perpetrator typologies and motives, explains the most common types of occult crimes, and discusses various victims' issues.

Chapter Three - Investigating Occult Crime: The Law Enforcement Role identifies barriers to dealing with occult crime, examines the law enforcer's role in occult crime, and provides resources specifically useful to law enforcers.

The Conclusion summarizes recommendations of law enforcers who contributed to this study. The resulting law enforcement "wish list" provides a workable agenda for future law enforcement action in regard to the occult.

Interspersed throughout the study are three types of key information:

1. A series of controversial issues entitled The Occult Debate, which explains the controversies and various viewpoints involved in seven of the most debated issues in the contemporary world of occult crime. Each of the following Debates explains the controversy and objectively presents each viewpoint:

* Issue #1: Historical Depictions of Witchcraft Reality or Myth?

* 1ssue #2: Dabbling in Music, Games, and the Occult - Contagion or Adolescent Maturation?

* Issue #3: Definitions of Occult Crime Necessary or Superfluous Criminal Categories?

* Issue #4: Perpetrators of Ritualistic Abuse- Actions of True Believers or True Criminals?

* 1ssue #5: The Extent of Ritualistic Abuse National Conspiracy or National Hysteria?

* Issue #6: Adult victims of Ritualistic Abuse Survivors or Delusionaries?

* Issue #7: Child victims of Ritualistic Abuse Abused or Indoctrinated?

2. Resources for further information. Three years ago, if law enforcers came into contact with something "weird" that simply did not fit into traditional crime categories, they had only a few resources. A handful of well-informed "occult investigators" were available, but very few officers across the state or the nation knew about such veterans. Today, a growing number of resources are available to educate law enforcers about occult groups and activities; to introduce officers to occult-related crime; and to suggest investigative techniques that are most likely to lead to the successful arrest and prosecution of offenders. The resources presented herein were recommended directly to the author. In turn, each person and organization was contacted and agreed to be included in the final report. Inclusion or exclusion of any person or organization is neither an endorsement nor critique of services provided.

3. A series entitled Legal Case studies in which the following four legal decisions regarding some aspect of occult crime are explained:

* Legal Case study #1: Is Animal Sacrifice a Constitutionally-Protected Religious Ritual The Hialeah Case

* Legal Case study #2: Admission of a Defendant's Belief in Satan - State vs. Waterhouse

* Legal Case study #3: Limits on Practicing Satanic Religions in Prison - Childs vs. Duckworth

* Legal Case study #4: A Successfully-Prosecuted Case - The State of California vs. Clifford St. Joseph

The Human Resources

As any occult investigator, therapist, victim or informed researcher will readily admit, delving into the occult is neither adventuresome nor rewarding. It is both tedious and frustrating, fraught at every step with psychological and spiritual loopholes. It opens up a whole new world, fortunately, one into which only a few people tread and even fewer comprehend. This study is no exception; it has been hounded by all the typical and not-so-typical difficulties, and has come to fruition only because the many committed and dedicated professionals and citizens listed on the accompanying page were supportive of the Office of Criminal Justice Planning's decision to examine these crucial issues.

Foremost among the many persons responsible for the breadth and accuracy of this study were four professionals who not only contributed their expertise, but who carefully read and edited the initial drafts. OCJP and the author, Dr.

Olson-Raymer, are particularly grateful to Officer Sandi Gallant of the San Francisco Police Department; Robert Hicks, Criminal Justice Analyst for the Commonwealth of Virginia's Department of Criminal Justice Services; Stephen Squire, Librarian for the Commonwealth of Virginia's Department of Criminal Justice Services; and Dr. Charles Wetli, Deputy Chief Medical Examiner, Dade County, Florida.