Bill aims to track stalkers

COLUMBUS — Law enforcement authorities, prosecutors and judges need access to new technologies to better control and convict stalkers, two lawmakers said.

Sen. Tim Grendell, a Republican from Chesterland who is chairman of the Senate’s Judiciary-Criminal Justice Committee, plans to have a company demonstrate its global positioning satellite tracking devices later this month, which could be used to keep tabs on stalkers or drunken drivers.

And Sen. Tom Sawyer, a Democrat from Akron, hopes to garner support for legislation he’s introduced that would allow judges to require such devices when issuing civil protection orders.

Both spoke to reporters today as part of National Stalking Awareness Month, which has been observed nationally in January since 2004. The Action Ohio Coalition for Battered Women played host to the press conference in the Ladies Gallery.

“Stalking is a crime in Ohio, but often it is confused with other crimes,” said Phyllis Carlson-Riehm, the coalition’s executive director. “Stalkers often choose to torment their victims with a variety of criminal behaviors, such as telephone and online harassment, breaking and entering and damaging or sabotaging vehicles.”

For the complete story, see Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.