Exploring Constables Views of Online Harassment

• In Event: Abuse, Harassment, and Victimization Online

Abstract

The proliferation of the Internet has contributed to the rapid growth of cyber-harassment and cyberstalking. These behaviors are often indicators of their offline counterpart and represent abusive methods to control and intimidate others. Using data collected from 1,348 law enforcement personnel from 34 agencies across England and Wales, the current study examines officers’ perceptions of cyber-abuse and specific cybercrimes that facilitate intimate partner abuse. The study found that officers who trivialized online harassment, perceived cyber-criminals to be spatially distant, and believed that most negative online experiences do not require a police response, were more likely to view other forms of online misconduct as less serious and avoidable offense. The results demonstrate the importance of not only understanding the beliefs and attitudes law enforcement hold, but also how officers are likely to interact with victims of cyber-abuse and their success at investigating these online crimes.

Authors

• Jin R. Lee, Michigan State University

• Roberta Liggett, Michigan State University

• Thomas J. Holt, Michigan State University

• Karen Holt, Michigan State University