Law Enforcement resources are limited and crime reports are subject to being “triaged” with a surge in massive phishing attempts, fraud, and other online crimes - “cyber bullying” or online harassment has not been a priority for law enforcement. Often times complainants are told there is nothing we can do for you or told there is a jurisdictional issue.

The problem with “cyber bullying” is that online harassment is often a stepping stone to more serious crimes such as trespassing, stalking, assault, hate crimes, and even homicides. Cyber-bullies think the Internet is an anonymous safe ground and a good place to start victimizing.

My recommendation to local law enforcement agencies is:

1. Take cyber-bullying and online harassment complaints seriously.
2. Take a comprehensive report of each incident. Ask the complainant to print the email, chat log, or website and attach it to the report.
3. Contact the District Attorney and find out what the laws are regarding the incident.
4. INVESTIGATE. Contact your department’s computer forensics department or state agency.
5. Take ownership of the complaint.

If you are the victim of cyber-bullying or harassment:

1. Print out any evidence including chat logs, website comments, or email. If you are printing the email include the “headers” or “source”. Consult your email provider for details.
2. Call the local law enforcement agency where the suspected cyber-bully lives. Ask to file a complaint. Don’t take “no”, “we can’t do anything”, or “not our problem” for an answer. Ask how the complaint will be investigated and what agencies will be involved.
3. Contact a police supervisor if no investigation takes place.
4. Call the local district attorney and ask how to file an order of protection.

Agencies that help victims:

CyberAngels: http://www.cyberangels.org/ask.php
Working to Halt Online Abuse: http://www.haltabuse.org/
Victims of Crime Resource Center: 1-800-VICTIMS
Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE

APA Citation:
Smith, Nathan. M. (2007). Cyber Bullying not taken seriously by Law Enforcement.
Retrieved May 16, 2008, from http://www.computer-forensic-technician.com/wordpress/cyber-bullying-not-taken-seriously-by-law-enforcement/.