Initial response to stalking : the role and perception of police first responders in Malta

Abstract

This study examines the role and perceptions of first responding officers when dealing with traumatised stalking victims. It also aims to assess the effectiveness of the officers’ initial response and ultimately identify any barriers that could prohibit them from providing victims with adequate safety and protection. The researcher intends to shine a light on the current practices utilised by the Malta Police Force (MPF), which in turn, could help provide valuable insights into any discrepancies in how stalking cases are currently being handled, in Malta and Gozo. It’s been nearly a decade since Malta criminalised stalking as a specific offence, yet local research remains scarce. One research conducted locally explores the issue from the lens of prosecutions (Grech, 2018). Hence, the present study will help contribute to our limited knowledge by taking a deeper look at the role of first responding officers in stalking situations. For this study, the qualitative approach was employed, and the researcher elicited data through semi-structured interviews. Six members of the MPF were recruited, who, at the time of the study, were all actively serving in the role of police first responders; four were stationed within the Gender-Based and Domestic Violence Unit in Malta and another two from the Gozo Police District. This study generated interesting yet surprising results as it concluded that police first responders, in Malta and Gozo, are unable to recognise the crime of stalking. This implies that the response of first responding officers towards victims is not being adequately provided, which can put victims at risk. Police first responders also highlighted several shortcomings that are often encountered in their line of work and called for a change in approach.