The scientific literature on PCP use and crime is sparse and consists mainly of case studies of persons who have committed violent, often bizarre, acts after ingesting the drug. Death from drowning, often in small amounts of water, has been a frequent cause of PCP-related death in California, and the media's emphasis on such extreme events has helped to increase the drug's notoriety. After a review of the literature concerning PCP use and crime, the authors conclude that: (1) PCP users tend to be multiple drug users. (2) PCP is one of the more common drugs found in arrestee populations. (3) An unknown, but probably very small, percentage of users suffer extreme intoxication and disorientation and commit bizarre, often violent, acts. (4) Much more research is needed to identify the extent of these problems in users, and to learn how personality, other drug use, and the quality and quantity of PCP ingested contribute to the occurrence of violent behavior. Tables, figure, references