Police officers have access to an immense amount of private and public information. This includes information from the Department of Motor Vehicles, criminal records, telephone and utility companies, credit bureaus, banks, landlords, mortgage companies, school personnel, hospital staff, insurance companies, government agencies, and other sources.
Communication, banking and transportation services use interconnected networks and databases. A batterer who is in law enforcement has the investigative skills and knowledge to obtain and use personal information against you, your family and friends.
Sophisticated and affordable surveillance products are readily available to anyone who wants to track or stalk another person. Standard telephones, cell phones, computers, e-mail, credit cards, ATMs, automobiles and public transportation leave a trail of information about where you are and what you are doing. Your abuser is trained to find people using these trails.
NOTE: If you are still in the relationship with your abuser, some of the following safety points (such as changing passwords on accounts or voice mail) could increase his suspicion.
It doesn't matter whether your abuser has physical access to your computer. If you think your computer usage is being monitored, it probably is.
He doesn't have to be a computer programmer or have special skills to monitor your computer and Internet activities. There are many programs he can use to track all your computer usage — Web sites you visit, documents you create or edit, and all your e-mail activity. It doesn't matter if you try to delete files or hide your work behind passwords. He can also discover Internet-based phone calls, on-line purchases and banking, and many other activities.
If you are looking for information on abuse or planning your escape, don't use your home computer. If you can, use a "safer" computer such as a friend's computer, or a public computer in a library, hotel, or other free public access. Avoid using public access that requires identifying information such as your driver's license or credit card information.
There is no way you can completely erase what you have done on any computer. If you think your computer usage is being monitored, it probably is. Remember that as a police officer, your abuser is trained to notice anything out of the ordinary, so it may be dangerous to delete cookies, change passwords, or erase your Internet history if you usually don't do so.
We have purposely limited the amount of information provided on-line for this topic. We have additional specific information regarding Safety in an Electronic World and the Safety Plan for Police Victims. For more information or to discuss your options before taking specific steps, contact Diane Wetendorf.
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