The Stalking of Public Figures: Management and Intervention

Abstract

Public figures are at relatively high risk of unusual contact initiated by fixated individuals. Prior research on managing the threat presented by public figure stalkers concludes that although direct threats rarely precede attacks, there is usually evidence of pre-planning. Furthermore, some public figure attackers do attempt to communicate with their future intended victim prior to attack. Thus, early warning signs from unusual contact behavior can be a powerful tool in threat assessment and risk management. The current paper offers a systematic concept for managing public figure stalking and constitutes five stages: (i) screening, (ii) first analysis, (iii) passive research, (iv) active research and finally (v) considered management strategy. It is concluded that assessment and management of risk are dynamic procedures, requiring ongoing monitoring and flexibility. Furthermore, although different stalkers will engage in ostensibly similar behavior, their motives and underlying psychopathologies may vary considerably. As such, all interventions require individual construction.

Attacks on German public figures, 1968–2004: Warning behaviors, potentially lethal and non‐lethal acts, psychiatric status, and motivations

“…Systematic information management and threat assessment to identify, assess and manage (Borum et al, 1999) potentially dangerous individuals through their warning behaviors toward public figures is clearly necessary. It would be fruitful for public figure protection in Germany and elsewhere to introduce systematic threat assessment procedures gleaned from programs already in use (Hoffmann & Sheridan, 2005; James et al, 2010; Scalora, Zimmerman & Wells, 2008).…”

Harassment of Members of Parliament and the Legislative Assemblies in Canada by individuals believed to be mentally disordered

“…This study provides new information on the incidence of harassment, and contributes to what is known about key aspects of harassment in general and harassment of politicians in particular. Recognised as a group at risk of pursuit by individuals with a mental disorder, the harassment of politicians has been studied by others ; however, only one other known study from the Netherlands (Malsch, Vissche, & Blaauw as cited in Hoffmann & Sheridan, 2005) has questioned politicians about their experiences of harassment.…”

“…Others pointed out that no other explanation fits the actions (50 or 39.4%), they were told that the person was mentally disordered by someone they consulted (47 or 37.0%), the harasser drew attention to their own sanity (25 or 19.7%), or the harasser was 'found insane' by the courts (6 or 4.7%). Hoffmann and Sheridan (2005) note that politicians' availability to the public may increase their vulnerability and the likelihood of being stalked. In the current study, a significant association was found between number of years in office and harassment of federal politicians.…”

How Do Police Respond to Stalking? An Examination of the Risk Management Strategies and Tactics Used in a Specialized Anti-Stalking Law Enforcement Unit

“…A total of 25 articles were found and the management tactics in those articles were complied into a comprehensive list (Collins and Wilkas 2001;Danto 2001;Dressings et al 2005Dressings et al , 2006Fremouw et al 1997;Geberth 1992;Hoffmann and Sheridan 2005;Logan et al 2006a, b;Maxey 2001;McCann 2006;McCann 2001;Mechanic 2002;Mester et al 2006;Mullen et al 2000a, b;Pathé 2002;Pathé and Mullen 1997;Römkens 2006;Sheridan et al 2003;Snow 1998;Spence-Diehl and Potocky-Tripodi 2001;Spitzberg 2002;Spitzberg and Cupach 2001;Ugolini and Kelly 2001). The typical management tactics employed by the Domestic Violence and Criminal Harassment Unit (DVACH) of the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), where the case review was completed, were also included in the list of tactics.…”