How the Police Can Handle Your Case of Adult Harassment and Threatening Behavior

When you find yourself dealing with an adult who persistently harasses and threatens you, even after making it stop, it's important to know how to properly report it and what the police can do to help. In the UK, harassment and threatening behavior are criminal offenses, initiating with Section 127 of the Communications Act. This is part of why the police are obligated to take your complaint and investigate any allegations seriously.

Reporting the Incident to the Police

If you find yourself in a similar situation, it's advisable to contact the non-emergency line of your local law enforcement, whether it's a police department or a sheriff's office. Ask for an officer to return your call, which gives you the opportunity to communicate with someone who can offer specific advice based on your situation. This doesn't have to be a formal report unless you decide to make it so. Officers can return your call using a protected line, ensuring that your conversation remains private.

Police Response in the UK

In the UK, the response to a complaint of harassment and threatening behavior depends on the gender of the complainant. While males may encounter limited action from the police, women often receive a more robust response, especially when facing physical danger.

However, due to 'austerity' measures that have cut police funding, the response to non-emergency crimes is virtually nonexistent. Nevertheless, there are existing laws such as stalking statutes, which can result in jail sentences. Common law offenses, such as 'causing alarm and distress' or 'public order offences,' are also applicable. A popular common law offense used by police is 'behavior liable to cause a breach of the peace."

Judicial Discretion and Legal Processes

The UK's magistrates court system allows judges, comprising ordinary citizens overseen by qualified lawyers, to interpret and apply the law to fit specific situations. They often expand the intent of parliament's statutes to cover actions not explicitly addressed by legislative control. These interpretations can sometimes be overturned in higher courts, but the magistrates themselves have legal immunity from such outcomes.

When you indicate you are in physical danger, the accused would typically be arrested within hours. They would be held in a concrete cell for six hours before being interviewed with legal representation present. The police would then question the accused in a way that discredits them personally and legally, attempting to secure a conviction under statute or common law. This process aims to prevent the accused from proving their innocence.

The police may also set bail conditions that restrict the accused from interviewing and obtaining independent statements from witnesses. This can create a significant advantage for the complainant.

Legal Aid and Financial Impact

If the legal process is successful, legal aid may not be available, forcing the accused to pay for their representation. This can be a powerful financial tool for women who wish to financially ruin men they are in conflict with. Several high-profile cases have demonstrated how this can happen. For example, a well-known radio and TV presenter was left destitute after such proceedings, while a famous comedian faced court fees of ￡1,000,000, leading to the seizure of his property and bank accounts by his creditors.

By understanding the legal process and the potential outcomes, you can better navigate your situation and ensure that your safety and well-being are protected.