Stop Cyberstalking and Harassment Task Force
On July 9, 2024, Governor Mike Parson signed Senate Bill 754, an omnibus public safety bill, which created the Stop Cyberstalking and Harassment Task Force (565.258) to make recommendations on the resources and tools needed to stop cyberstalking and harassment. The task force was directed to collect feedback from stakeholders, including victims, law enforcement, victim advocates, and digital evidence and forensics experts to inform development of best practices regarding:
- The treatment of victims of cyberstalking or harassment; and
- Actions to stop cyberstalking or harassment when it occurs.
The task force shall study and make recommendation, including, but not limited to:
(1) Whether a need exists for further training for law enforcement relating to cyberstalking and harassment, and if such a need does exist, recommendations on how to best fill the need, whether legislatively or otherwise;
(2) Whether a need exists for increased coordination among police departments to address instances of cyberstalking or harassment, and if such a need does exist, recommendations on how to best fill the need, whether legislatively or otherwise;
(3) Resources and tools law enforcement may need to identify patterns and collect evidence in cases of cyberstalking or harassment;
(4) Whether a need exists for strengthening the rights afforded to victims of cyberstalking or harassment in Missouri law, and if such a need does exist, recommendations on how to best fill the need;
(5) Educational and any other resources deemed necessary by the task force to educate and inform victims and the public on ways to protect themselves from cyberstalking and harassment;
(6) Whether a need exists for increased victim services and training for victim advocates relating to cyberstalking and harassment, and if such a need does exist, recommendations on how to best fill the need, whether legislatively or otherwise.
According to the act, the Department of Public Safety shall provide administrative support to the task force. The task force shall submit a report to the Governor and General Assembly on or before Dec. 31 of each year, and the task force shall expire on Dec. 31, 2025, unless the Department of Public Safety determines the task force should be extended until Dec. 31, 2027.
The task force met virtually on Dec. 12, 2024, and voted that the approved Sept. 27, 2024, meeting minutes would serve as the task force’s annual report for 2024.