STALKING. Basics of Stalking Harassing, threatening, or menacing behavior Is the behavior repeated...

STALKING

Basics of Stalking Harassing,

threatening, or menacing behavior

Is the behavior repeated conduct?

If suspect feels fear – take it seriously

Victims of stalking can be either male or female

Basics of Stalking

OFFICER RESPONSE

Listen to Victim’s Perception of Problem

Look for Pattern of Behavior

.

Stalking Behaviors

“Pattern of behavior”

Non-criminal behavior is criminalized by law if part of a pattern that creates a threat to the victim

Stalking is an escalating

series of actions and incidents

Basics of Stalking (1)

What is the Intent of the Stalker?

What Incidents could be part of a Stalking Case?

Basics of Stalking (2)

Domestic Violence Assault Vandalism Child Abuse

Wiretapping Hate Crimes

Burglary Harassment

Theft Threats

Identity theft

What are Some Examples of Stalking Behaviors? (1)

More Examples of Stalking Behaviors (2)

Unique Aspects of Stalking Cases (1)

 Majority of victims never feel safe

People think victims are paranoid

Stalking is a form of flattery

Victim is encouraging the stalker

Unique Aspects of Stalking Cases (2)

Acknowledge that the victim's fear

is legitimate

Unique Aspects of Stalking Cases (3)

Viewed as Low Priority- Violation of Order of Protection - Harassing phone calls

May miss potential or present stalking case because nothing physical has happened to victim yet.

Unique Aspects of Stalking Cases (4)

Stalkers may commit criminal acts

in multiple jurisdictions

Unique Aspects of Stalking Cases (5)

  Stalking cases can last for several

years  

Remedies should be used along with safety planning

Stalker must be held accountable

Investigation of a Stalking Case (1)

Evidence collection is essential

Investigation of a Stalking Case (2)

Who?

What?

How?

WHAT EVIDENCE SHOULD YOU COLLECT?

From the Suspect?From the Victim?

Evidence Collection (1)

SUSPECT

Evidence Collection (2)

VICTIM

Evidence Collection (3)

Evidence Collection (4)

WHAT VICTIM CAN DO TO ASSIST WITH THE CASE?

Safety Plan

Change LocksOutside LightingUnlisted Phone NumberVary Travel Routes

Facts about Stalking (1)The National Center for Victims of Crime Stalking Resource

Center

1. Stalking is a crime.

2. Stalking happens to many people.

3. Stalking can be very dangerous.

4. Stalking is harmful & intrusive.

5. Stalking can happen to anyone – not just celebrities.

Facts about Stalking (2)The National Center for Victims of Crime Stalking Resource

Center

6. Stalking can occur during a relationship, after a relationship, or in the absence of a relationship.

7. Technology can be used to stalk.

8. An effective response to stalking includes the entire community.

Stalking Law

Effective January 1, 2010 2 or more acts which cause a reasonable

person to fear for their safety or suffer emotional distress

“Stalking No Contact Order” against offender.

Source: Illinois Attorney General’s Office – Public Act # 096-0686

Stalking No Contact Order (1)Effective January 1, 2010:

Stalking No Contact Order when no relationship is involved

Filed by victim of stalking or person on behalf of minor child or disabled adult.

Filed in civil or criminal court.

Filed in county where the petitioner resides, the respondent resides, or where one or more acts of the alleged stalking occurred.

Illinois Attorney General’s Office – Public Act #096-0246

Stalking No Contact Order (2) Advocate assists victim

Law enforcement serves Stalking No Contact Order

No fees charged for filing Stalking No Contact Order

Duration and extension of Stalking No Contact Orders:

Emergency Order – 14 to 21 days

Plenary Order – 2 years

Plenary in conjunction w/criminal prosecution: duration of criminal case plus 2 years or permanent if conviction for stalking is entered.

Illinois Attorney General’s Office – Public Act #096-0246

Stalking No Contact Order (3)

REMEDIES

- Prohibit stalking

- Order no contact

- Prohibit coming within a specified distance of the petitioner

- Prohibit from possessing a FOID card or possessing firearms.

Illinois Attorney General’s Office – Public Act #096-0246

Training Exercise

Handling the Call:

Domestic Violence Vignettes

Stalking Scenario

“Everywhere I Go There He Is –

Am I Losing My Mind?”

Acknowledgements

Resources provided by:

- The National Center for Victims of Crime Stalking Resource Center

- Illinois Attorney General’s Office

- OVW Rural Grant Committee, 4th Judicial Circuit

- Law Enforcement Resource Center & Minnesota Program Development, Inc., 2000

This project was supported by Grant #2011-WE-AX-0055, awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice, through the Illinois Violence Prevention Authority.

The original project was supported by Grant # 2008-WR-AX-0016, awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice, through the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority.

Points of view, opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations contained within this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women, Illinois Violence Prevention Authority, or the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority.