ACPO comment on Government announcement of new stalking offences

ACPO lead on stalking Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said:

"Legislation which recognises the terror and harm caused by stalkers to their victims with a specified offence within existing harassment laws is a positive step. There is no doubt that victims of stalking and everyone campaigning to protect victims from further harms posed by stalking will welcome today’s announcement.

“Proposed new powers of entry to investigate stalking offences were specifically requested by police and improved training and guidance for both police and prosecutors will play a key part to improving our response to stalking victims.

“The key to protecting victims and alleviating the fear and harm is through everyone taking the issue seriously, through extensive awareness raising and through improved and effective response to stalking by police officers, the Crown Prosecution Service, the courts and the health service.”

For more information about the announcement click here: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/media-centre/news/Stalking

For more information please contact:

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk