There are basically three levels of activity in cult groups: (1) fun and games rather than serious cult activity; (2) serious cult involvement; and (3) criminal involvement. Police officers need to properly distinguish between legal and illegal cult activities, and respond accordingly. Self-styled practitioners of satanism are perhaps the most dangerous because they have little or no spiritual motivation. They tend to mix satanism, witchcraft, and paganism and have strong antisocial tendencies. Traditional or religious satanists follow an alternative belief system. These individuals can and do commit criminal acts, but there is no evidence they are part of larger, organized groups. Transgenerational satanists purport to be highly sophisticated and organized. Although it is impossible to tell which cults or cult members are violent, law enforcement is obligated to be aware of and monitor cult groups. The Internet has expanded the reach of cults but can be used against these groups as well. Despite the content of the message espoused by cults and satanists, police actions are limited until a criminal act is committed. The author concludes that, as people continue to feel disenfranchised, the capacity of new religious groups to recruit more people will grow and that the threat of violence will always be associated with these groups. 3 photographs