Police and attorneys come together to talk stalking with celebrity prosecutor

April 18, 2012

Edmonton….ALERT’s Integrated Threat and Risk Assessment Centre (I-TRAC) is hosting “In the Mind of a Stalker,” a three-day workshop focusing on stalking. The workshop will provide comprehensive training to police and Crown attorneys on the various kinds of stalkers and how to prosecute them.

Stalking expert and prominent Los Angeles prosecutor Rhonda B. Saunders, JD, will share her experience, including challenging cases in which she was successful in obtaining convictions against people who stalked Madonna and Steven Spielberg.

The workshop is in advance of National Victims of Crime Awareness Week, which runs April 22 – 28 and raises awareness about victim issues and the programs, services and laws in place to help victims of crime.

“Stalking is a serious offence and its effects on victims are far-reaching,” said I-TRAC Director Val Campbell. “While law enforcement partners will continue to work together to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable, we rely on victims to be aware of and take the appropriate measures to stay safe.”

If you are a victim of stalking or criminal harassment, the following is a list of tips to help prevent harm:

• Let the police know you are fearful for your safety. They can suggest ways to improve your safety, such as using call tracing features, or provide you a referral to outside agencies for support.
• Evidence is critical. Keep details about any contact you have with this person, including dates, times, locations, phone messages, and gifts.
• Don’t be afraid to tell people. Tell your employer, children’s school, and family and friends. They can play a role in keeping you safe by screening phone calls, keeping your personal information private, or serving as witnesses.
• Seek out agencies that can support you, including victims services groups or counseling professionals.
• Shred your documents to avoid having your personal information get into the trash.
• Refrain from posting personal information online, and change your passwords often.
• Consider added security for your home, like an alarm system.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Ensure you have an emergency escape plan.
• Always dial 911 if you are in immediate danger.

For more tips, visit www.alert-ab.ca/public-education/stalking

An ALERT team, I-TRAC is a joint forces multi-disciplined unit that provides law enforcement and other criminal justice agencies with threat assessment services and proactive approaches to reduce acts of targeted violence throughout Alberta. I-TRAC services include: assessing the level of risk an individual may pose to commit an act of targeted violence, providing case management strategies, training, safety planning, and expert testimony, and facilitating access to external agencies including mental health, specialized law enforcement and other criminal justice units.

I-TRAC combines the efforts of members of the RCMP, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service and Lethbridge Regional Police Service, civilian employees of ALERT, and Alberta Human Services (formerly Alberta Children and Youth Services). The unit also includes a Crown prosecutor (Director) and a forensic psychologist.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Government of Alberta to bring together the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources to tackle serious and organized crime. Over 400 municipal police, RCMP and sheriffs work for ALERT.

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Media inquiries may be directed to:
Val Campbell
Director, I-TRAC
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
780-509-3414

Jill Baird
Communications
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
780-509-3028