Application: Technology and Cyber-Stalking

Rapidly advancing technologies present both challenges to and solutions for law enforcement. One challenge related to the tracking and apprehension of cyber-stalkers revolves around jurisdiction. A cyber-stalker could harass you from around the block, another state, or across the world. This creates jurisdictional issues that must be taken into consideration when new legislation is developed related to cyber-stalking. Another challenge is determining the appropriate penalty for cyber-stalking. Stalking is a crime that leaves emotional scars, which can make the damage difficult to assess.

As criminals use technology in new ways for cyber-stalking, law enforcement agencies use technology in new ways for tracking and apprehending cyber-stalkers. Many of the larger law enforcement agencies have computer crime units and receive training from cyber-forensics professors.

For this assignment, think about ways law enforcement might use technology to track and apprehend cyber-stalkers. Consider challenges law enforcement might face in tracking the behavior of cyber-stalkers. Then review penalties for engaging in cyber-stalking behavior in your state or country of residence. Think about the degree to which the penalties are adequate for penalizing cyber-stalkers.

The Assignment (2-3 pages)

Describe three ways law enforcement might use technology to track and apprehend cyber-stalkers.

Explain at least two challenges law enforcement may face in tracking the behavior of cyber-stalkers.

Explain penalties for engaging in cyber-stalking behavior in your state or country of residence.

Explain whether the penalties you identified are adequate for penalizing cyber-stalkers or not.