UK-Based Police Officers' Perceptions of, and Role in Investigating, Cyber-Harassment as a Crime

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Author(s): Catherine M. Millman (Public Health Agency, Ireland), Belinda Winder (Nottingham Trent University, UK)and Mark D. Griffiths (Nottingham Trent University, UK)
Copyright: 2019
Pages: 18
Source title: Police Science: Breakthroughs in Research and Practice
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Information Resources Management Association (USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-7672-3.ch014

Keywords: Business Science Reference / Criminal Science & Corrections / Public and Sector Management / Security & Forensics

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Abstract

Within the UK, cyber-harassment is a criminal act and perpetrators can be prosecuted if the crime is reported to the police. Cyber-harassment has a detrimental impact and causes psychological distress to victims but due to its online nature, complaints made may not be taken seriously and the impact may not be fully acknowledged. Police officers' perceptions of this crime and its victims are crucial as this will impact on how the crime is investigated and whether perpetrators are prosecuted. The present exploratory study aimed to gain insight into how cyber-harassment is investigated and identify issues and barriers. Eight police officers based in the United Kingdom were recruited using a snowball technique to participate in semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis and three themes were identified: online accessibility, threat, and the unhelpful victim. Each theme is discussed in relation to theory, policy and legislation within the UK.

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UK-Based Police Officers' Perceptions of, and Role in Investigating, Cyber-Harassment as a Crime

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