Satanic Panic and Law Enforcement

This chapter examines the 1994 VHS tape 'Law Enforcement Guide to Satanic Cults,' which aimed to instruct police on identifying satanic crimes amid the broader cultural phenomenon known as the Satanic Panic. It discusses the media's role in intensifying public fears, how law enforcement adopted sensationalist views without solid evidence, and the impact on societal perceptions of crime. Through this exploration, the chapter reflects on the implications of misinformation and paranoia that influenced policing practices in America during the late 20th century.