NCJ Number
148379
Date Published
1990
Length
360 pages
Annotation
This manual provides law enforcement professionals and citizens information on gangs, occult groups, and cults.
Abstract
The chapter on gangs first examines the gang problem nationwide and then analyzes the gang problem in California and San Diego. This is followed by profiles of gang violence, gangs in general, ethnic gangs, and types of gangs (white racial hate groups, skinheads, and outlaw motorcycle gangs). Other gang topics discussed are gang slang terms, how gang members live and die, the use of guns by gang members, and how kids become involved in gangs. Also discussed are weapons in the schools, community involvement and solutions in addressing the gang problem, and law enforcement's response to the problem. A chapter on occult groups discusses topics associated with the occult, such as alchemy, divination, mysticism, magic, animism, and witchcraft. A chapter on cults focuses on satanic cults. The manual concludes that San Diego does have a problem with satanic cults. Child abuse investigators in San Diego report an increase in child abuse associated with satanic rituals. An interview with a clinical psychologist who works in the area of child abuse examines the nature and frequency of cases of ritual abuse with which she is familiar. Signs of ritualistic child abuse are outlined.