NCJ Number
212659
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 50 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2005 Pages: 1459-1465
Date Published
November 2005
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This paper presents a five-stage plan for addressing fixated individuals' stalking of public figures.
Abstract
The first stage is "screening," which involves identifying problematic contacts as early as possible. Analyses of unusual communications to or concerning a public figure can assist in predicting future stalking behavior and in identifying mentally ill individuals. The second stage is "first analysis," which involves an examination of any letters, e-mails, gifts, or other material sent by the stalker, along with any reports on direct contacts. At the end of this stage, security personnel will determine whether the stalker poses a risk to the public figure. If the decision is negative, then further communications will be assessed, but no further stages of the management strategy will be pursued. If the individual is believed to be a viable risk, then security personnel should move to stage three, i.e., "passive research." This involves collecting as much information as possible from records and sources, but not from direct contact with the stalker or individuals known to and close to him/her. If this stage provides information that heightens the risk assessment, then stage four, "active research," should be pursued. This can involve talking to the stalker and to people known to or close to the stalker. If this research confirms that the stalker poses a high risk to the public figure, then the fifth step, "management strategy" should be implemented. Although strategies to protect the public figure will be tailored to the individual stalker, a general principle of security management is to create as much distance, both physical and emotional, as possible between the stalker and the public figure, so as to undermine any perception by the stalker that a bond is being formed with the public figure. 27 references