Date of Award

2008

Degree Name

Psychology

College

College of Liberal Arts

Type of Degree

Psy.D.

Document Type

Dissertation

First Advisor

William Joseph Wyatt

Second Advisor

Marianna Linz

Third Advisor

Christopher Legrow

Abstract

Emerging research is beginning to reveal how prevalent, and dangerous, stalking can be, especially in situations that involve domestic or former domestic partners. As front line responders to stalking-related crimes, it would seem imperative that law enforcement personnel have extensive training and be knowledgeable about a broad range of stalking-related issues. A victim’s well-being can be directly impacted by the actions and interventions of the officers handling his or her case. Unfortunately, however, many states, including West Virginia, still do not require that officers receive stalking training. In an attempt to establish how well informed law enforcement officers in West Virginia are relative to stalking, the present study explored the effects of both prior and current training on their beliefs and practices when dealing with stalking crimes. Forty-four law enforcement respondents, between the ages of 25-70 completed a Training Needs Survey, which assessed whether they had been trained regarding stalking. An 8-hour workshop was subsequently developed and law enforcement personnel from throughout West Virginia (N=32) attended. Of the 32 attendees, 23 completed both the pre and post test measure of their knowledge, training and experience. The Pretest measure revealed that law enforcement personnel in West Virginia are not well informed about stalking. Conversely, those who completed the workshop, and who returned the posttest measure (N=23) appeared to have developed opinions, practices and knowledge which are more in line with the research.

Subject(s)

Law enforcement - Employees - Training of.

West Virginia - Law enforcement - Training.

Stalking.

Stalking - Prevention.

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