What is stalking? “Stalking is conservatively defined as “a course of conduct directed at a specific person that involves repeated (two or more occasions) visual or physical proximity, nonconsensual communication, or verbal, written, or implied threats, or a combination thereof, that would cause a reasonable person fear.” (National Institute of Justice). Stalking is characterized by unhealthy emotional attachment of the suspect to the victim.

Erotomania Symptoms & Examples

Erotomania is the delusional belief that the victim is in love with the suspect. Some behavioral characteristics are:
• Unwanted phone calls
• Unsolicited or unwanted letters or emails.
• Surveilling the victim by following or spying on the victim.
• Showing up at places with a legitimate reason.
• Waiting at places for the victim
• Leaving unwanted gifts or flowers.
• Posing information or spreading rumors about the victim on the internet, in a public place, or by word of mouth.
• Threats of harm to the victim or to oneself.
• Property damage
• Trespassing, perhaps even burglary

Stalking Statistics

There is no universal stalking law on the books. Every state has their own variation that differs in detail but the intent is the same. Some stats:
• During a 12-month period and estimated 14 out of a 1000 people age 18 or over were victims of stalking.
• About 46% experience at least on unwanted contact per week. Eleven percent were stalked for 5 years or more.
• Divorced or separated or about 34 per 1000 where the highest category.
• Males constituted 37% and 41% of the female victims reported the crime to police.
• About 1 in 4 were victims of cyberstalking via email (83%) and 35% received instant messaging.
• About 46% said they experienced fear of what could happen next.
• Three out four knew the offender in some capacity.
• More the half lost 5 or days from work related to stalking activity.

Police VS Private Investigator for Stalking Investigation

As stalking is a repetitive crime the police require at least two incidents before a stalking case can be taken. Burdened with heavy case loads it is difficult for police agencies to devote the resources necessary to investigate a stalking as most incidents fall into the misdemeanor category. This makes stalking a unique criminal activity that lends itself to investigation by a private investigator. The investigator must log behavior over time. He will also need to identify the suspect, beyond reasonable doubt. At some point there will accrue a sufficient body of evidence for prosecution. Counter surveillance and documentation are the key to a successful prosecution. The victim needs to record even the most minor of events so that the body of evidence and show ‘intent’. Major events need to be reported to the investigator who will assist in documenting the suspects behavior. Stalking cases do not manifest themselves overnight and will take an extended amount of time to document the stalking behavior. Bodily harm threats elevate the crime to a felony in most jurisdictions. Patience, though difficult is necessary for prosecution. In many jurisdictions the prosecuting attorney will only accept cases only from a law enforcement entity so the case when complete will be submitted to police or sheriff’s department for prosecution.

Private Investigator & Security Services in Greater Miami, Sunny Isles, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton & Miami Gardens Florida

Maintain a dedicated stalking diary of unwanted contact. After a month or two you should have enough to report it to the police. You may want to secure the services of a private investigator. Remember you are paying his wages, when working for you he should devote his billable time to you and you only. Advanced Private Investigator & Security of Miami, FL can meet all your private investigator and security needs. Contact us today!