NCJ Number
244045
Date Published
April 2012
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article outlines three key strategies for successful investigations and prosecutions of stalking cases.
Abstract
First, it is important that criminal justice professionals recognize the danger stalkers pose to their victims. Stalking often accompanies other intimate partner violence; and under certain circumstances, this combination poses a heightened risk for lethal attacks. Even in stalking cases that do not result in serious physical assaults or homicide, stalking often causes serious psychological effects on victims that persist over long terms. Recognition of the potential adverse effect of stalking should be used to support arguments for appropriate responses to stalking at bail hearings, sentencing, and decisions regarding the issuing of no-contact orders. Second, criminal justice professionals and legislators should become familiar with the various ways that stalkers use media technologies to harass their victims. Tools of stalking have included monitoring of victim movements with global positioning systems, Spoof Cards that create a false telephone number from which to call the victim or to make it appear that the victim is calling the stalker, and spoof e-mails that can be used to send harassing e-mails from a false e-mail account. Computer spyware that views the victim's e-mail, files, and history has also been used by stalkers. Focused training, coordination, and assistance from experts in stalking technology can provide police and prosecutors with the skills and knowledge needed to counter stalkers and their methods. Third, collaboration and coordination of stalking countermeasures among criminal justice agencies and victim supporters can enhance investigations, prosecutions, and preventive measures. 16 notes