Policing the Shadows: The How's and Why's of Investigating Ritualistic Crime

• NCJ Number: 205067
• Journal: Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 31 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2004 Pages: 62-64,66,67
• Author(s): Ronnie Garrett
• Date Published: March 2004
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article examines ritualistic crimes and how to best investigate them.

Abstract

Ritualistic crime is any criminal activity that has a ritual attached to it. The crimes often involve a group of people united under a common social, political, or religious philosophy. While ritualistic crimes only account for 5 percent of all crimes committed, their ritualistic nature is important to catching the perpetrators. Many of those involved in ritualistic crimes are young persons aged 18 to 25 who are attracted to cult membership by the feeling of belonging it provides to these disenfranchised youth. Not all people involved with cults or nontraditional worship are criminals, yet the ease of connecting with like minded people via the Internet is creating more opportunities for these sorts of crimes. The author describes how to monitor cult activity by using the Internet to gather intelligence. Monitoring Internet sites that cater to cult activity may clue officers in to cult activities within their communities. In terms of the investigation of ritualistic crimes, the ritualized nature of the crime must not be overlooked as it is of critical importance in establishing motive and indicating suspects. While teenagers who commit ritualistic crimes may leave plenty to evidence, more advanced criminals may cover up the ritualized nature of the crime. Thus, it is important to thoroughly go over the crime scene for any evidence of ritualism. The suspect’s body and autopsy will also be important to establishing ritual connections. Next, tips for interviewing suspects of ritualistic crimes are offered. In order to gain information and trust, officers are advised to begin by asking about their rituals and how they work, carefully avoiding talk of the crime until this type of information is gathered. Finally, resources for further information on ritualistic behavior and crime are listed.