Response to Gang Crime Article

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       In a July 6 AP article, “Gangs Use Internet to Showcase Exploits,” journalist Andrew Glazer quoted George W. Knox, director of the National Gang Crime Research center, as saying:

       “In order to understand any subculture, be it al-Qaida, witches, devil-worshippers or gangs, you have to be able to know their own language.”

 

       The entire article can be read on line at:   http://apnews.excite.com/article/20060706/D8IMMRR00.html

 

       Here is the text of my note to Knox at the NGCR:

 

       “I was very disappointed to see you listing witches along side devil worshippers, Al-Qaida terrorists and criminal gang members in the AP article "Authorities Say Gangs Using Internet", dated 6 July 2006.  

       “I am the head of Officers of Avalon, Inc., an organization which represents police officers, fire fighters and paramedics who follow Neo-Pagan and Afro-Diasporan spiritual paths.  Many of our members are actively involved in investigating the very gang crimes you speak of in the aforementioned article.  Many Pagan officers are out there guarding the public against terrorist attacks.  Many Officers of Avalon members, including myself, are Wiccans, popularly known as "witches."  I spent 29 years on the streets of Vancouver, British Columbia, bringing criminals to justice.  When I retired I became a police dispatcher, so I'm still involved in law enforcement. 

       “Wiccans aren't gang members, Mr. Knox.  Wiccan teachings prohibit criminal behaviour.  I don't appreciate you comparing me to gang members and terrorists.   

       “Misinformation of this sort encourages official persecution of minority groups.  As the result of misinformation of this sort being circulated in the past 2 decades, this persecution has resulted in loss of jobs, assaults, and even deaths.  The Tempest Smith suicide case in Michigan a few years ago is a good example of a teen victimized in this fashion.  Sadly, it is not an isolated example. 

       “There is no excuse for statements like the one you made.  Accurate information on Wiccans, or "Witches" as you prefer to call us, is readily available at reputable university faculties of theology, at the library, and even on line.  I've done many presentations for police investigators, including gang squad officers, in the past two and a half decades to make them aware of Neo-Pagan religious practices.  In 1997 the third edition of my book, the Law Enforcement Guide to Wicca, was published to educate law enforcement officers about Wiccan practices.  I encourage you to go to the library and read a copy of this.    I'd be happy to supply you with accurate information on the practices of Wiccans and other Pagan religious groups if this is too much trouble for you.  

       “Misinformation such as this fosters and encourages hate crimes, which I hope is not your intent.  The emergency services community is much more diverse that you seem to realize.  Many different religious groups are represented in law enforcement ranks these days.

Kerr Cuhulain, Preceptor General, Officers of Avalon”

 

       Here is another letter sent to Knox by one of our O of A members:

 

       “...My name is Marco Rodriguez, I am an 11 year Los Angeles Police Officer with my primary area of expertise being in Hispanic Street gangs and worked Northeast Area CRASH for years.  I have also been a practicing occultist as far back as I can remember and a member of the Ordo Templi Orientis ( http://oto-usa.org/ )for 10 years.  I am also an active member of Officers of Avalon ( http://www.officersofavalon.com/ ), an organization for pagan officers of numerous "subculture" religions.  Many of us are involved constantly identifying unusual languages, scripts, drawings or pictures of crime scenes that may be considered "occult" related for numerous law enforcement agencies.

       ‘Basically what Im trying to say here is that I think it's quite irresponsible to clump two Federally recognized and protected religions (witches and devil worshipers) together with criminal street gangs.  I may not believe in real devil worshipers, I actually don't think they even exist since I have close friends in the Church of Satan, Temple of Set, and know them to be intelligent people who don't believe in a "real" devil.  Witches or Wiccans on the other hand number in the tens to hundreds of thousands in the USA and they are peaceful (actually quite fluffy) people and organizations.  Putting us together in a sentence that makes it look like we are similar to Al Qaeda or gangs is quite counterproductive and can be extremely damaging to the reputations of individuals and the organizations that serve them.
       “Know that all I am trying to do here is clear up misconceptions and assist in getting rid of archaic superstitions.  I respect all fellow Gang Investigators and hope you would not take this as a personal attack.
       “Thank you for your time, be well and stay safe.”

Wiccan cop Kerr Cuhulain assisting a man in skid row in 2004

Dispatches:  Official Newsletter of Officers of Avalon