"think as the perpetrator would think; you need to recognize that logical/rational thinking will not work.

This is your state of mind, but not that of the perpetrators." (Gallant interview, April 3, 1989.)

Third, as Michael O'Connor of the San Diego Sheriff's Department states, "Don't ever investigate alone. This is no time to be macho. It is wise to remember, these people are smart and they can definitely outsmart us!" (O'Connor Seminar, August 16, 1989.)

Fourth, without some understanding of occult belief systems and rituals, the crime scene investigator will be at a loss. As Sgt. Richard Valdemar of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department relates, "It's like taking a notebook to a murder scene and not writing down the essential information because you just plain missed it! The average detective is going to miss a lot because he's not familiar with the information." (Valdemar, May 23, 1989.)

Once the investigator is aware of these points, then he or she is ready to embark upon a series of investigatory strategies.

Investigatory Strategies

Currently, many "occult investigators" have identified at least four primary keys to investigations that may contribute to a successful prosecution: recognizing occult symbols and rituals at the crime scene; compiling a comprehensive search warrant that may lead to further physical evidence; conducting a carefully planned investigation of an alleged occult crime; and planning and implementing a specific investigation strategy for ritualistic child abuse crimes related to the occult. The following investigative suggestions within each of these four areas represents the combined knowledge many experienced "occult cops" shared with the author.

Recognizing Occult Symbols and Rituals at the Crime Scene

If the on-scene investigator is called to an alleged occult crime, there are several important points he or she must keep in mind:

* At least one crime scene investigator should be familiar with the outward, physical symbols used in various occult rituals.

* If no one in the department has investigated an alleged occult crime, the participation of an outside law enforcement consultant should be obtained.

* The investigator is not responsible for interpreting the meaning of any symbols; he or she only records their existence at the crime scene.

* Finding any or all clues listed in this study does not prove a link between occult activity and occult-motivated crime.

Law enforcers who have investigated occult crimes find that the following general clues indicate the possibility that some kind of occult ritual may have been involved in the crime.

Again, to ascertain the possibility of an actual occult connection, other professional expertise should be obtained.

Occult Crime Scene Clues

An alleged occult crime scene should not be handled any differently than other crime scenes. Thus, although the crime scene clues offered below are not much different than those recruits team at the academy, they are included as a basic investigatory review tool.

At the scene of any crime, the following items and symbols will provide clues to possible occult involvement.

Crime Scene Clues - Outside or Inside

* animal bodies that have been mutilated;

* human bodies that have been decapitated, mutilated, or branded with symbols;

* human and animal organs that have been removed, such as the head, heart, tongue, eyes and digits;

* human and animal bodies that have been drained of blood or cannibalized;

* waxes, powders, oils on or around a body or crime scene area;

* religious artifacts such as altars, candles, chalices;

* symbols such as inverted crosses, pentagrams, inverted pentagrams;

* a circle, eight feet in diameter which may or may not contain a pentagram;

* graffiti and the use of specific colors included in any symbols;

* messages written in blood.

Crimes Scene Clues - Inside

* bottles of small vials of what may appear to be blood, found in refrigerator;

* hypodermic needles used to remove blood from animals and humans;

* animal or human body parts, found in freezers;

* occult books;

* handwritten occult essays or poetry;

* writings in a non-discernable alphabet;

* handmade drawings of occult symbols;

* drawings or photographs of victims;

* calendars with peculiar days marked;

* computer bulletin boards tied to the occult.

Occult-Related Homicide Crime Scene Clues

The following questions should be addressed in an alleged occult-related homicide. Pictures and notations should be taken of anything that is considered significant.

* What is the location of the cadaver?

* What is the physical position of the cadaver?