"Stalking Cases: 'Assessing Recidivism Risk' Is the Most Difficult"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] Police officers handling stalking cases reported that the most challenging aspect is assessing the perpetrator's ‘likelihood of reoffending’.

On the 14th, Professor Kang Soyoung of Konkuk University’s Department of Police Science announced these survey results at the 'One-Year Evaluation Seminar on the Enforcement of the Stalking Punishment Act' held in the main conference room of the National Assembly Members' Office Building.

According to the survey, among 1,874 local police officers and those dedicated to stalking cases, 34.8% (653 officers) identified 'judging the likelihood of reoffending' as the most difficult situation when responding on-site.

Next were judgments on stalking behavior criteria (such as continuity and repetition) at 29.6% (554 officers), sanctions for violations of emergency protective measures at 18.0% (337 officers), and refusal or obstruction of investigation at 13.1% (246 officers).

In particular, police officers dedicated to stalking cases found it equally difficult to assess the likelihood of reoffending (34%) and to judge the stalking behavior itself (34%).

Professor Kang explained, "Other responses included 'all matters requiring judgment based on one-sided statements' and 'assessing continuity in situations where mutual contact was ongoing,' suggesting that immediate judgment on-site is challenging."

Panelists participating in the discussion unanimously agreed on the need to train police officers with specialized expertise. There were also calls to improve the current dual system of police handling stalking cases to cultivate such specialized personnel.

The need to simplify the emergency protective measure application process initiated by the police was repeatedly emphasized. Currently, when the police apply for emergency protective measures, the prosecution must request retrospective approval from the court.

Additionally, it was reiterated that stalking crimes exhibit gender-based characteristics and have a strong correlation with domestic violence and dating violence.

According to the National Police Agency, from October last year to September this year, among stalking cases registered in the APO (Abuse Prevention Officer) system, 71.7% (18,579 cases) involved female victims and male perpetrators, and 58.5% involved spouses or romantic partners.

Regarding types of stalking behavior, acts such as waiting for or watching the victim accounted for more than half at 54.3%, followed by sending items or messages via mail or phone at 45.4%, and following or blocking the victim’s path at 35.6%.