Chasing Evil: Shocking Crimes, Supernatural Forces, and an FBI Agent's Search for Hope and Justice

The use of psychics in law enforcement has long been contentious. Chasing Evil delves into this conflict through the secret partnership between FBI agent Robert Hilland and psychic medium John Edward. Historically, police agencies have maintained a deep-seated skepticism toward paranormal methods, as their work depends on verifiable facts, tangible proof, and a clear chain of custody. This means that when psychics are consulted on especially challenging or cold cases, their involvement is typically kept unofficial and out of public records, protecting the investigation’s credibility from accusations of relying on unscientific means.

This professional skepticism is mirrored in John Edward’s personal reluctance to work with law enforcement. His father, a police officer, disapproved of Edward’s work and warned him against combining psychic work with police procedure. The book recalls his father’s definitive stance: “‘Psychics are not helpful,’ said Edward Sr. ‘Real cops don’t use psychics’” (17). This belief shaped Edward’s career, leading him largely to refuse police requests for assistance. His collaboration with Hilland on the John Smith case was a rare exception, a clandestine alliance born of an agent’s desperation.

The book frames their partnership as a test case for bridging the divide between two disparate worlds—the evidence-based rigor of criminal investigation and the often-unprovable realm of psychic perception—ultimately suggesting that the two can complement one another.