In today’s troubled times, a growing number of law enforcement agencies are encountering cases involving criminal activity, ritual violence and religious symbolism. Many of these cases involve groups and individuals committing acts of abuse and neglect under the guise of religious practices. There is a growth in cases involving deaths resulting from deadly exorcisms and spiritual cleansing rituals. Drug and human traffickers are utilizing rituals and ceremonies of Africa and Latin America for protection from police and furtherance of criminal activities. Beliefs in conspiracy theories are motivating acts of violence including arson, bombings and murder. This five-day Ritualistic Crimes and Religious Extremism course will inform attendees of growing trends, tactics and indicators of religious extremists and ritualistic crimes.
This program’s goal is to provide in-depth knowledge of extremist activities, criminal acts and the promotion of safety when dealing with these groups. The course will prepare attendees to recognize the threat of extremist and religious motivated violence. Attendees will learn to interpret symbols, artifacts and ceremonies appropriated by extremist organizations. Likewise, attendees will gain an understanding into many of the misunderstood but constitutionally protected religions and cultures they may encounter in the field.
Key Topics Include
Constitutionally Protected vs. Criminal: Understanding the Difference
Extremism: Racial, Religious and Conspiratorial
Child Abuse and Cults
Investigations involving Exorcism based Abuse
The Role of Rituals among Human Trafficking Organizations
Narco Cults and Ceremonial Protection of Drug Trafficking
Crime Scenes and Religious Based Evidence
Officer Safety and Potential Threats
Interviewing Members, Victims and Leaders
The Instructor
Tony Kail is a cultural anthropologist that has thirty-years’ experience researching and documenting religious cultures, extremist groups and security threat groups throughout the U.S. and Africa. A former Sheriff’s Deputy, Kail has provided training and consulting for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Capitol Police, United States Attorney's Office and the United States Army. He has written for numerous publications including The Journal of Counterterrorism and Homeland Security, Law and Order Magazine and Police Quarterly. Kail is the author of several books including Narco Cults:Understanding the Use of Afro-Caribbean and Mexican Religious Cultures in the Drug Wars from CRC Press (2015), Magico-Religious Groups and Ritualistic Activities: A Guide for First Responders from CRC Press (2008) and A Cop’s Guide to Occult Investigations from Paladin Press (2003). His books are recommended on the F.B.I.’s 2011 suggested reading list of Narco Cult related books for law enforcement.
**This course has been approved for 40 hours of recertification training credits by the IAI Crime Scene Certification Board.
Tony Kail
As a former deputy sheriff and practicing cultural anthropologist, Tony Kail has over 25 years experience in researching and documenting African and esoteric religious cultures throughout the U.S. and Africa.
