ABSTRACT
Introduction .................................................................................................. 352 Stalking Cases and Law Enforcement.......................................................... 352 The First Responder ..................................................................................... 353
Stalking Case Example ........................................................................ 355 Follow-Up Investigations .................................................................... 356
Assessing the Stalker and Stalker Behaviors.......................... 356 Stalking Case Example (continued)................................................... 357 Victim Issues and Management ......................................................... 358 Law Enforcement’s Role in Advising the Victim............................... 358
Safety Planning Suggestions for the Victim .......................... 359 Victim Management............................................................................ 360 Stalking Case Example (continued)................................................... 361 Evidence and Victim Corroboration.................................................. 361
Use of Search Warrants ................................................................................ 361 Stalking Investigation and Case Management Strategies........................... 363
Every Stalking Case Is Different ......................................................... 363 Covering All the Prosecutorial Bases ................................................. 364 Use of Restraining Orders................................................................... 364
Case Management Strategies and Potential Caveats............. 364 To Use or Not To Use a Restraining Order........................... 365
The “Knock and Talk” Strategy .......................................................... 365 Use of Surveillance Methods .............................................................. 366 Stalking Case Example (continued)................................................... 366 Surveillance of the Suspect ................................................................. 367 Multidisciplinary Approach................................................................ 367 Stalker Cases Needing More Attention.............................................. 368 Stalking Case Assessment Team (SCAT) Approach .......................... 368
Conclusion..................................................................................................... 369
Bibliography .................................................................................................. 369 Additional References ................................................................................... 370 Appendix 16.1: Construction and Use of Search Warrants in
Stalking Cases ...................................................................................... 371 Appendix 16.2: Writing the Search Warrant for Stalking Cases —
Drafting Specific Language Requirements ........................................ 372 About the Contributing Author .................................................................. 372
Stalking is not just a criminal justice problem, nor is it solely a mental health problem. To effectively deal with the stalking situation, I believe a multidisciplinary approach is necessary. Law enforcement officers, prosecutors, mental health professionals, and victim advocates need to work together as a team to achieve two primary goals:
1. Keeping the victim safe 2. Intervening and possibly stopping the stalking behavior
This chapter addresses law enforcement’s role on the team. The author hopes that the following information will be helpful to officers and investigators who are charged with the responsibility of investigating a stalking situation. This author also hopes it will provide some insight to mental health professionals and victim advocates who also may deal with a stalker and/or the victim. As we learn about each other’s process, techniques, and “job-specific” language, we increase our effectiveness as a team.
