WORKPLACE Stalking: Law Enforcement

Police victims need to be informed of social support & general guidelines as it pertains to addressing stalking victimization. It is important to be aware that stalkers may approach third parties to obtain information, to spread rumors, or to threaten. Strategically, it is also important for police victims to be aware that third parties can support in the creation and building of files against a stalker, making police reports and as witnesses (Guldimann, et al., 2016). Third-parties should never minimize or trivialize stalking situations. Victim blaming by bystanders or informal resources (i.e. family and friends) or supervisors, coworkers, or colleagues is a hinderance and may make victims hesitant to come forward in the future. This can also decrease overall well being.

While filing a police report may not be suited for every stalking case, there is some suggestion that serving the community while also being a stalking victim may negatively affect one's self concept (Guldimann, et al., 2016). It is recommended that helping agencies be available to monitor changes in the stalking situation as well as to conduct risk assessments. In Guldimann, et al.'s (2016) study 20% were reluctant to file official reports. Additionally, agencies can provide officers with guidelines for early intervention before the stalker has invested considerable time, energy, or resources into their pursuit, at the two-week threshold.

Guldimann, et al. ( 2016) recommends additional policies for police officers to access a support point person within the police departments where they can report stalking behaviors both internally coming from professional interactions, as well as nonprofessional stalking that may be affecting their work-related environment. Additonally, police officers need to be given adequate training, and education to address their own stalking experiences as well as those they may face with colleagues, or with the public. Finally, Guldimann, et al. (2016) suggest police officers be given adequate support from coworkers and superiors and that structures be in place to address stalking when it occurs, such as time off, counseling, or being given alternative assignments. 

Sheridan & Pyszora (2018) recommend specific training on how to recognize and respond to fixated behavior. FTAC assessment and management can mitigate threats toward a range of targets including police who have become part of a grievance. Due to the delusional nature the fixation will likely remain, and the person will be preoccupied with their belief unless they are treated with appropriate intervention (M = 4years). Fixations can be primarily attached to a person or a cause, and while Sheridan & Pyszora's (2018) only identified three individual targets, other research has found variable rates (6%-88%). Additional considerations should include that while there may be an initial named target due to the nature of the grievance, if redress fails, those perceived responsible may be held accountable (creating multiple secondary victims or multiple primary stalking victims). Sheridan & Pyszora (2018) recommends processes for recognizing fixated persons, open channels for information sharing between police and mental health services, and advice seeking accordingly. Sheridan & Pyszora (2018) point out that among fixated persons threats significantly outnumbered attacks, but there was a positive association between specific threats and physical attacks following arrest, almost all attacks were planned, as opposed to opportunistic.