NCJ Number
234307
Date Published
2010
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This guide presents an overview of stalking and suggests to community corrections officers how best to supervise probationers and parolees who engage in stalking behaviors.
Abstract
"Stalking" is defined as a "pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear." Specific behaviors that meet this definition are described. The prevalence of stalking and the characteristics and methods of stalkers are then outlined. The guide then addresses the supervision of offenders who engage in stalking behavior. Community corrections officers are advised to focus on victim safety, changing offender behavior, and offender accountability. In assessing the risk for such behavior in a probationer or parolee, the first step is to determine whether the offender has previously engaged in or is now engaged in stalking behavior. Other information needed is the nature of the victim-offender relationship that precipitated the stalking, the history of protection orders, and the nature of any police reports or other documents that might indicate patterns of abuse. Guidance is also provided on the content of contacts community corrections officers should have with stalking victims. All information concerning the victims should be kept confidential. The nature of information supplied to the victim by community corrections officers is also indicated. Recommended supervision strategies for stalkers are outlined. Strategies include frequent field contacts with the offender and collateral contacts; frequent random checks for alcohol and drug use; and regular, unannounced searches of the offender's person, premises, residence, vehicle, and any other area under the offender's immediate control. In addition, special conditions of supervision for stalkers are indicated. Further, suggestions for collaboration with other community organizations in the development of a coordinated community response to stalking are offered.