GPS Technology Could Help Track Stalkers in Laramie County - KGWN –Cheyenne, WY– Scottsbluff, NE News,Weather, Sports

GPS Technology Could Help Track Stalkers in Laramie County

Dozens of women are affected by stalking each year in our area. Laramie County law enforcement want to do something about it so they're working on a program that would use GPS technology.

This technology would be attached to the ankle of someone who's on probation or perhaps even have the ability to track vehicles.

The program is still in it's early stages, but they're hoping to have a more finalized plan within the next year.

"We're understanding stalking better than we have in the past and so we're learning how to combat it more effectively. So I think it's more of we're learning and trying to be a learning organization and be more proactive instead of reactive," said Detective Jim Harper with Cheyenne Police.

Law enforcement is working together with Safehouse and the Laramie County District Attorney.

Assistant Director with Safehouse, Nicole Casey, says stalking cases have risen in recent years.

They blame technology and smartphones that make it much easier to keep track of where people are and what they are doing.

"In 2012, we had 72 victims of stalking come to us for assistance and 55 people filed stalking orders through Laramie County Circuit Court last year. It's definitely a growing problem. We're going through a lot of training to try to stay ahead of the curve, but even then it's very difficult," Casey said.

If you have a stalker, Safehouse says you need to contact law enforcement as well as Safehouse so they can work out a safety plan that's unique to your situation.