This paper is going to discuss the criminal investigation of cults. In this paper we will talk about the population of cults. Exactly what a cult is, the characteristics of cults and the role of police in the investigation of cults. According to a spokesman for the Cultural Affairs Agency's religious affairs division. An estimated 230,000 religious groups are said to exist across the country, with a total membership of 200 million, or approximately 70 million more than the nation's population, apparently because many are affiliated with more than one group. Of these groups, roughly 184,000 are recognized under the law (Kajimoto, Tetsushi. "Mind-set: some cults cash in on craving to belong" Japan Times 1995 May 29-June 4. P 10-11.). "As people continue to feel more and more disenfranchised, the capacity of new religious groups to recruit more people grows exponentially. The threat of violence is always there.
             What is a cult?" you may ask. A cult is a system of religious beliefs and rituals, and it also refers to those who practice those beliefs. You may also wonder," If it is a practice of religious beliefs then why is it considered a cult?" Modern society is often quick to label fringe groups as "cults" when they may just be an unusual commune. Catholics, Mormons and Shakers, now generally accepted religious groups, were also labeled as cults at one time (Epstein, Keith. "Is an odd religion a "cult " or something else?" Seattle Times 1994 Feb 20. Pa4.).
             One characteristic commonly found in true cults is a hidden agenda; information a person might use to decide against joining the group is deliberately withheld. This can become a question of "truth in advertising" on a large scale. Some groups hide even their names from potential recruits, though more often the deception is subtler. A cult might make an initial pitch like this: "We are a non-denominational group devoted to helping e...