NCJ Number
217522
Date Published
April 2006
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This paper summarizes guidelines in the development and implementation of an effective stalking protocol, initially developed by the U.S. Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services, the Police Foundation, and the National Center for Victims of Crime.
Abstract
Developing and creating an effective stalking protocol in the field of policing entails understanding existing stalking laws and the types of stalkers, and understanding how to identify stalking and stalking behaviors. It entails the investigation of a stalking case, evidence collection, assessing the stalker, making a threat assessment, advising the victim about risk, interviewing the stalker, stalker interventions, arrest, charging, and detention, reporting and filing procedures, and lastly training. This summary in creating an effective stalking protocol addresses each one of the above stated issues. The aim of the protocol is to promote a strategic approach that encourages early intervention, broadly defining the roles of police officers in functional areas, present guidelines for developing and participating in a coordinated community response to stalking, encourage the use of collaborative problem-solving techniques, and define the appropriate threat assessment techniques.