NCJ Number
129704
Date Published
1991
Length
420 pages
Annotation
This book critically analyzes individual law enforcement agencies' focus on Satanism and the occult and concludes that no evidence exists of a nationwide criminal conspiracy of Satanists and devil-worshipers.
Abstract
The analysis emphasizes that vandalism, child abuse, serial murders, and other crimes are all serious problems. In addition, the model proposing a connection between Satanism and criminality is expedient largely because of its simplicity as a means of explaining such complex problems as drug abuse, adolescent suicide, and sexual molestation. Unfortunately, poorly trained therapists and certain police officers have used the media to focus attention on satanic crime despite a lack of evidence of a cult connection. Their misinformation and speculations produces unjustified fear in their communities. Case examples, reference notes, and index. (Publisher summary modified)