How To File A Police Report For Harassment

What Is Vs What Isnt Sexual Harassment In The Workplace

Navigating what is considered sexual vs. non-sexual harassment in the workplace can be tricky. Refer to the table below for clear disambiguation between the two.

When youre applying for a new job, the screening process should go both ways. If you are job hunting, make sure you understand what your prospective employers are legally allowed to ask vs. what they cannot ask. You should walk away from the company if, during the hiring process, they ask you about your:

• Religion
• Sexual orientation

Even if the hiring and onboarding process goes smoothly, you might still become a victim of workplace bullying over time. If thats the case, study the companys policy on workplace harassment and talk to the HR department. If youve exhausted all options but the harassment persists, speak to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Harassment Preventive Measures In Texas

You need to know that you are not responsible for other peoples behavior, especially when they are harassing you.

The thing you can do is try not to get under their radar. That means that you can take steps to lower your chances of getting harassed and increase your safety.

Some of the things you can do are:

• Never disclose your number or any personal information to strangers
• Limit your personal information available in public and on the internet
• Adjust your privacy settings on all social media accounts
• Verify the identity of everyone you come in close contact with
• Dont answer calls or reply to messages from people you do not know
• Instruct your family, friends, neighbors, and others never to reveal any information about you or themselves on the phone, the internet, or in public

How To Report Internet Harassment

• How to File a Police Harassment Report

Internet harassment also known as cyber-bullying refers to the malicious use of technology to willfully and deliberately harass or harm another individual or entity. Internet harassment can be an incredibly scary experience for victims, especially if you know or are acquainted with the offender who is harassing you. Unfortunately, the law is intrinsically behind technology, so there is currently no centralized law enforcement agency to which you can report Internet harassment. However, cyber-bullying is a federal crime, and there are ways to report Internet harassment if the offender refuses to stop.

If you are in imminent fear of your and/or your familys life, call 9-1-1 to report the harassment immediately.

Read Also: How Long Does It Take To Become A Police Officer

Filing A Police Report

A police report documents the incident and is the first step toward the filing of criminal charges. When you contact the police to the make the report, an officer will meet with you at a location that you choose to take the report. You have the right to have a support person or advocate with you during the conversation.

The officer will ask you detailed questions about the incident and gather information about any witnesses and the perpetrator. The process may end here as many police departments will accommodate the choice to report to police and not prosecute. Most police departments allow victims to file incident reports without pressure to go further. You may wish to only file a report, to qualify for victim compensation or establish a record.

Who Will I Be Talking To

In most areas, there are specific law enforcement officers who are trained to interact with survivors of sexual assault. In addition, many law enforcement agencies participate in Sexual Assault Response Teams , which provide a survivor-centered, coordinated response to sexual assault. SARTs incorporate medical personnel, law enforcement, and sexual assault service providers in your area. They work together to organize the investigation, reduce repetition of questions and interviews, and facilitate communication among all agencies involved.

Learn more about communicating with law enforcement.

Read Also: How To Lookup Police Report Number

The National Flagging System For High

Officers who have been investigating an offender who they believe is at high risk of committing serious violent or sexually violent crimes should consider contacting their provincial or territorial NFS Coordinator in order to obtain information about the offender and/or to suggest the offender be added to the National Flagging System for High-Risk Offenders. This system identifies the highest risk violent and sexually violent offenders nationally who are considered prime candidates for Dangerous and Long-term Offender applications. In addition, the system provides for a flag on CPIC, facilitating broad sharing of information about these offenders nationally among police and Crowns, regardless of which provincial or territorial jurisdiction made the identification. Each province and territory has a National Flagging System Coordinator who identifies individuals that should be flagged, and who coordinates the collection of information about the offenders. The coordinators also facilitate the transfer of this information to police and Crown prosecutors upon request.

The NFS alerts police to the fact that they are dealing with a high risk violent offender immediately upon the officer or member performing a CPIC check, and alerts Crowns to potential dangerousness. This assists in the proper handling of the individual from his or her encounter with police through to sentencing.

What Can The Court Do If You Take Civil Action About Harassment

The court can make an order or injunction that the person harassing you must stop their behaviour. If they dont stop harassing you after the court has made an injunction against them, it’s a criminal offence and they can be prosecuted in the criminal courts.

You can also ask the court for compensation if youve suffered financial or emotional loss – for example, if the harassment has made you feel very anxious or distressed.

If youre thinking about taking court action, you should get advice from an experienced adviser – for example, at a Citizens Advice local office. Find your nearest Citizens Advice.

Also Check: How To Read A Police Report Online

Filing A Police Report Online

This system allows you to submit a report from your computer or mobile device without going to an OPP detachment. All submissions will be sent directly to the OPP and reviewed by an officer. You may be contacted to provide more information. You must have a valid e-mail address in order to submit a report.

To file a report online, please follow the simple steps below:

Police Report To Crown Counsel

Forms used for the purpose of reporting to Crown Counsel must clearly address and document the key elements of the offence . Practices vary among jurisdictions. Some jurisdictions have tailored a specific investigation report form for the collection of pertinent facts. Police agencies and prosecution services that work together should use an agreed-upon format or checklist of information that will provide Crown counsel with the information needed to deal with various stages of court proceedings, including the following details:

Information on the prohibited conduct

Reasons why the victim reasonably fears for his or her physical, emotional or psychological safety

Details of changes the victim has made in response to the fear, such as whether the victim has:

• moved to a new location or obtained a new phone number
• recorded all telephone conversations and messages
• told friends, family, co-workers or building security of the harassment, and given photos of the accused to these persons
• arranged escorts to his or her car and work site
• changed his or her work schedule or route to work
• stopped visiting places previously frequented
• taken a self-defence course
• received counselling or other psychotherapy
• altered his or her behaviour in any other way

Evidence that the accused knew their actions harassed the victim or was reckless as to whether the victim was harassed, such as the fact that:

Information on factors related to those problems, such as:

Also Check: How To Contest A Police Accident Report

Harassment On The Internet Or In Chat Rooms

Harassment on the internet and in chat rooms is also known as cyber bullying.

If youre being harassed on the internet you should try to stop that person from contacting you, for example by ‘blocking’ them in a chatroom or on a social network.

If something makes you uncomfortable on a social network, you can also click the ‘report’ button.

Try to get evidence of the bullying by making copies of any threatening online conversations, for example by saving emails or taking screen shots.

If blocking somebody doesn’t stop the bullying, you can report it to the police or contact your internet service provider. You can show them any evidence you’ve managed to collect to help them investigate the situation.

The charity Bullying UK have lots of advice fact sheets about different types of cyber bullying, if you need more information.

You Cannot File A Report Online If

• A threat was made or violence was used during the incident. If you are in immediate danger, please dial 911. If you are no longer in danger, please call us at 613-236-1222, extension 7300.
• Evidence was left on the scene such as, but not limited to blood, tools, clothes or any item related to the incident. Please call 613-236-1222, extension 7300 to file a report.
• The incident being reported did not happen in Ottawa. Please contact the police service in the city where the incident happened to file a report.
• The stolen property is a passport
• The property lost is a cell phone, licence plate, bank card or government issued identification, with or without a serial number. Please contact your service provider to get a replacement.

Also Check: Can You Look Up Police Reports Online

File An Online Police Report

Emergency9-1-1

• This is not an Emergency.
• There is no evidence to be collected.
• The incident occurred within the Orange City limits.
• There are no known suspects.
• This did not occur on a state freeway.
• You have a valid email address.

• See the message: “Your online report has been submitted”, showing that your police report is complete.
• Be issued a temporary police report number. Once your report has been reviewed and approved, you will be issued a permanent police report case number.
• Be able to print a copy of the police report for your records.

• Reports submitted not meeting the online approval criteria will not be approved and you will receive an email explaining the reason.
• All cases filed using the online report system will be reviewed.
• Upon review, if further information or investigation of your case is needed, you may be contacted.
• If your incident is not listed in the online report choices, please call the City of Orange Police Department 744-7444) to file a report.
• Filing a false police report is a crime.

Guidelines For Police: Investigating Criminal Harassment

The investigation of criminal harassment cases involves basic case development as well as the use of crime detection strategies. It may differ somewhat from investigation of other violent offences in that criminal harassment often involves conduct that, in isolation, appears innocent and harmless. As criminal harassment is often a progressive crime that wears down its victims over time, early, effective intervention can go a long way toward preventing more serious psychological harm and escalation of the harassment into violence or homicide. The objective of a police investigation in these cases is two-fold: to stop the harassment, as well as any other acts of violence, at an early stage and to collect evidence to present a compelling case for prosecution. Since criminal harassment is a crime that may include a pattern of behaviour carried out against the victim over an extended period, an investigation can be time consuming and may involve numerous police reports.

Police practices and policies may vary from one jurisdiction to another. These guidelines should be considered in conjunction with other applicable policies and forms, as well as other remedial legislation . Keeping the victim informed and involved in the investigation is important in any offence, particularly in cases involving partner or spousal abuse.

You May Like: Can The Police Track Your Iphone

What Are Your Employers Duties

Your employer must:

• have a workplace harassment policy and review it as often as necessary, but at least annually
• have a workplace harassment program that describes how to make a complaint or report an incident of workplace harassment and how those complaints or incidents will be investigated and dealt with
• provide information and instruction to workers on the employers workplace harassment policy and program.

Effective September 8, 2016, an employer has additional duties to:

• ensure the written program is developed and maintained in consultation with the Joint Health and Safety Committee or health and safety representative, if any.
• ensure an appropriate investigation is conducted into incidents or complaints of workplace harassment
• inform a worker who has allegedly experienced workplace harassment and the alleged harasser, if they are a worker of the employer, in writing of the results of the investigation and any corrective action that has been or will be taken
• review the workplace harassment program as often as necessary, but at least once a year.

File A Restraining Order

If you’re in an emergency situation, call 911.

If you’ve been a victim of domestic abuse and want to take legal action, you may be able to file for a protective order. Protective orders are also known as restraining orders or injunctions.

The process for obtaining a protective order differs from state-to-state. Your local police and court can help you get the process started. Contact your state, county, or municipal court for more information.

Generally, you have to fill out paperwork and submit it to the county courthouse. If you need protection right away, a judge may issue a temporary restraining order. To get a longer-term order, your judge may require a full court hearing and/or your abuser’s presence.

A protective order can be enforced by police. If necessary, the order can include special provisions like:

• Custody of children

• Forcing the abuser to leave a home

In some states, a protective order requires the abuser to surrender all firearms.

Don’t Miss: What College Degree For Police Officer

What Else Can You Do To Get Rid Of The Bully In Your Life

Dont suffer in silenceharassment is more prevalent than you think, and youre not alone in it. If youre struggling to take action against the person thats repeatedly threatening, humiliating, or intimidating you, remember that theyre thriving on your tacit endurance. The sentiment is best captured in the words of Anita Hill, an American lawyer who brought allegations of sexual harassment against Clarence Thomas :

We need to turn the question around to look at the harasser, not the target. We need to be sure that we can go out and look at anyone who is a victim of harassment in the eye and tell them they do not have to remain silent anymore.

Here is a simple overview of things you should and should not do if youre dealing with a bully in your life.

To File A Police Report See Options Below

NOTICE: Please see below a breakdown of what you CAN and CANNOT file online. Any report filed online not meeting the below-listed requirements WILL BE REDIRECTED. Please read the information below carefully.

Types of Crime Reports That Can Be Filed Online:

• Harassing phone calls.
• Vehicle burglary: property stolen from a vehicle.
• Vehicle tampering, including vandalism.
• Theft unless it involves a residential or commercial burglary or the stolen property is a passport, Social Security card, firearm, license plate, car or electric vehicle, including electric bikes, wheelchairs and Segways. In those cases, call our non-emergency number at .

Types of Crime Reports That CANNOT Be Filed Online:

• Residential Burglaries
• Robbery Incidents
• Traffic Collisions AND Hit & Run Traffic Collisions
• Stolen Vehicles
• Stolen Electric Bicycles WITH Serial Numbers
• Cases WITH Suspect Names

For Crime Reports That CANNOT Be Filed Online, Please Go To Your Nearest Police Station.

Don’t Miss: How Many Police Officers Killed In 2020 By Black

How To Report Harassing Phone Calls To Police In 7 Steps In 2021

Do you want to permanently stop calls from salesmen, telemarketer or debt collectors? If YES, here is exactly how to report harassing phone calls to the police . Phone harassment is something most people dont really give a lot of thought to until it happens to them.

It is not just annoying, it is also illegal. Furthermore, it is a serious threat to your privacy, sense of security, and personal information. Phone harassment is nearly impossible to prevent or avoid, making it difficult for those affected by phone harassment to stop unwanted or threatening phone calls.

Table of Content

• 6. Go to the Police

What is Phone Harassment?

Phone harassment is defined as any form of unsolicited telephone communication that is threatening, obscene, or unwanted. Phone harassment can be said to occur when someone intends to annoy, harass, threaten, or even harm you by:

• Constantly making your phone to ring
• Making obscene comments, suggestions, or requests
• Refusing to identify oneself over the phone but is still calling over and over again
• Making repeated telephone calls where the conversation consists only of harassment, especially after you have requested not to be contacted again
• Attempting to steal your financial or personal information over the phone
• Pretending to be someone the caller is not
• Making a telephone call and using heavy breathing or silence with intent to intimidate