Unlike most crimes which require a single incident to establish probable cause, stalking requires a pattern of behavior or course of conduct consisting of two or more incidents. The incidents that make up a course of conduct in a stalking crime are often not criminal on their own (for example, sending gifts). These incidents only become criminal when considered along with the context and intent of stalking.
Many stalking state statutes require that the incidents invoke fear or emotional distress in the victim, which can be difficult as stalking behaviors are often contextual in nature.
SPARC provides training to law enforcement officers that can assist in their identification of and response to stalking crimes. Click here for information about our trainings.
The following publications can assist law enforcement officers in their identification and response to stalking: