Abuse of Power

THE clearinghouse on police-perpetrated domestic violence

...when your abuser is an officer of the law

Safety Planning & Technology

We have purposely limited the amount of information provided on-line for this topic. For in-depth information on the uses of technology in domestic violence and stalking, contact the National Safe and Strategic Technology Project.

If you feel safe doing so, it's a good idea to develop a relationship with a counselor at your local domestic violence agency before you are in a crisis situation. Your counselor can help you think things through, explore your options, and help you with your safety plan.

Police Have Access to Information

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.

Internet Safety

It doesn't matter whether your abuser has physical access to your computer. 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.

E-mail & Electronic Posting

  • E-mail, instant messaging (IM) and text messaging are never confidential means of communication. They are equivalent to sending a postcard.
  • Use a safer computer and an account that your abuser does not know about.
  • Create difficult passwords for your e-mail, voice mail, and home security access. Even though your abuser can break a password, one that combines numbers, letters and symbols will make it more difficult.
  • Be aware that employers have access to all your computer and e-mail activity.
  • Avoid posting any personal information or abuse history on a blog, public or private forum, or social networking site. It does not matter if you create an alias. Whatever you post is ultimately traceable.

Telephones

  • Avoid using cellular or cordless phones. Your calls can be picked up on a police scanner or other eavesdropping equipment.
  • Use someone else's phone or a pay phone to make confidential calls. Your abuser may have tapped or put a bug on your line.
  • Remember that cell phones transmit signals that give your relatively specific location at any given time. There is also a record of every call you make and receive.
  • Guard your cell phone! It contains a wealth of information about you.

Save Evidence

  • Save all correspondence from your abuser even if it is not threatening. If your order of protection prohibits your abuser from contacting you, this violates the order. These records are your evidence.
  • Save all threatening e-mail or voice mail messages. Set up your e-mail and answering machine to automatically record the date and time of messages.
  • Make copies of all correspondence and important documents and keep them in a safe place that your abuser does not know. If you can, keep a diary of everything that has been happening. Consider asking your domestic violence counselor to keep your papers, mail them to yourself at a rented mailbox, or put them in a safe deposit box.

Other Precautions

At Home

  • Installing a home security system is costly, and your abuser may know how to disable a system. Most security systems notify the local police when there is an intrusion, which may not be the best option in your situation. There are inexpensive items you can purchase to alert you when someone is trying to enter your home or apartment. You can install extra locks on your windows and patio doors. Outdoor lighting, motion-activated lights, and timers on inside lamps are also inexpensive ways to protect yourself.
  • Is there a neighbor you can tell about the danger you are in? If so, set up a time and way that you will check in each day. Agree on a plan of what your neighbor will do if s/he sees or hears a disturbance at your house — especially if you don’t want them to call the police. Decide on a signal (such as turning on a specific light) that you will try to use if you are in trouble. Agree on what your neighbor will do if s/he sees your signal.
  • Identify and practice an escape route from your home and workplace. Know which doors, windows, elevators, stairways or fire escapes can be used to get out quickly. Practice it!
  • Keep your cell phone on your person.
  • Teach your children what they are to do when you or they are in danger. Practice where they are to go, whom to call. Give a copy of your order of protection to their school or daycare provider.

Escaping Your Home

  • Decide where you will go if you must leave your home quickly. This must be somewhere your abuser would not think to look for you.
  • If you must drive your own vehicle to get away, remember to “hide” it as best you can when you arrive at your destination. A vehicle GPS system can reveal your location.
  • Turn off your cell phone! Remember that cell phones transmit signals that give your relatively specific location at any given time.
  • Do not use a credit or debit card, gas card, ATMs, etc! These all leave electronic footprints.
  • Be alert for vehicles following you.

Vehicle Safety

  • GPS (such as OnStar®, etc) is now standard equipment in new vehicles and easily installed in older vehicles. If you are concerned that your abuser is monitoring your travel/location, have your vehicle checked for a GPS.
  • Be alert for vehicles following you. Keep a notebook and pen within reach so your can discreetly record the make and license plate number of the vehicle.
  • Vary the times you leave for work and come home. Change your routes to work, school and shopping.
  • Review your travel route between home and work with those involved in your safety plan.
  • Check the front and rear passenger areas before entering your car whether it is day or night.
  • Check your car before opening the door or starting the engine. Look under the car for leaking fluids (brake lines, etc.) Test your lights, steering and brakes before driving.

Additional Information

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.