Contacting your local police department is the first step in putting a stop to your stalker.  The following list will provide guidance in collecting the necessary information in order to help your local authorities in protecting you.  If you are feeling overwhelmed and have been unsuccessful in stopping your stalker there may be a few reasons.  First, often times police departments are understaffed and do not have the resources to immediately assist in stalking cases.  Stalking cases require vast amounts of research to interview witnesses and victims and to obtain information.  Second, if the authorities are working on your case, you may have a “seasoned”  stalker who has learned through years of experience how to NOT get caught.  If you believe you are the victim of this type of stalker, you will need additional assistance in putting a stop to them.  This is when a private investigator can assist you and the local authorities in assembling a completed report to include interviewing witnesses, obtaining background information, analyzing cyber data and even counter-surveillance.  If you believe you are being stalked, trust your instincts.  As you read through the list below if any of the action items resonate with you, you are in a situation that needs immediate attention.

1. Notify your local police department. NOW!
2. Document any and all actions of the stalker in detail including your last contact with the stalker. This includes direct contact or contact through a third party.
3. Collect any physical evidence such as phone messages, letters, photographs, or medical reports.
4. Develop a profile of the stalker. Explain stalkers history including family dynamics, critical or trigger events, mental illness diagnosis, drug or alcohol abuse, criminal activity, hobbies (weapons), and interpersonal conflicts with others.
5. Maintain a list of all witnesses to the stalkers behavior. This can include family members, friends, delivery people, or acquaintances.   Include phone numbers and addresses.
6. Describe a typical day before you began being harassed; before your life changed.
7. Explain the nature of your relationship with the stalker. Whether or not you were actually in a mutually responsive relationship.  Describe when and how the relationship started, when and how it ended and why it ended.
8. Describe any threatening statements. The EXACT words are very important.  Stalkers often communicate in terms in which only the victim will understand the meaning and intent.  This information will be used to assess the level of threat
9. Organize any legal paperwork such restraining orders, divorce papers, on-going court proceedings. Document any violations of court orders and whether or not stalker was prosecuted for the violation.
10. Know that you are not alone, 15% of women and 6% of men have been stalked during their lifetimes.  Contact local resources in your area to receive the support you need to fight and stop your stalker!