STALKING
Stalking Is a Serious Crime
If you suspect you are being followed
If you are being harassed by phone, letter or in person, repeatedly
followed or intimidated by threats you must..
* make timely verbal or written reports to the APD Stalking Unit
512-206-3985
* document dates, times and locations of actions against you that
are recognized under the law as stalking
* save all written or recorded messages that contain threats to
do harm to you or your property
Action checklist for being being stalked
* be aware of your surroundings
* be cautious of anonymous gifts
*notify family, friends, co-workers that you are being stalked
* give family, friends, co-workers a description of the stalker
and ask them to screen calls and visitors
* establish a safe house where you can go if necessary
* never talk about your personal life or activities to strangers
* be sure your residence is secure
* remove your residence address from personal checks and business
cards
* use a postal box or private mailbox service for personal mail
* file for confidential voter status or use a mailbox address when
registering
* have the phone compnay install your residence phone line in a
different location and have calls forwarded to your residenc
* lock your vehicle doors at all time. Add locks to gas cap and
install a car alarm
* park your vehicle in a well lighted area
* ask security or trusted co-worker to walk you to your vehicle
* provide a photo of the stalker to building security officers
* use different times and routes to travel each day
Texas Penal Code, Section 42.07 has been amended by adding Section
42.072 to define stalking as an offense committed by a person who,
on more than one occassion, knowingly engages in conduct, including
following another person, and who reasonably believes the victim
will regard as threatening - bodily injury or death for them - bodily
injury or death for a member of their family - injury or destruction
to their property - causes the victim or a member of the victim's
family or household to be placed in fear of bodily injury or death
or fear that an offense will be committed against their property.
An offense under his Section is a Class A misdemeanor punishable
up to 1 year in jail plus a $4,000 fine. If a perpetrator has previously
been convicted under this Section the offense is a third degree
felony punishable by 2 to 10 years in jail and a$10,000 fine.
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