Investigating and Prosecuting Stalking Cases

This dynamic workshop will provide practical tools for the investigation and prosecution of stalking cases.  Combining lecture and interactive exercises, the presenters, an attorney and a law enforcement officer, will explore the dynamics of stalking and discuss best practices for investigating and prosecuting stalking cases.  The workshop will provide valuable tools for the pursuit of “best evidence” and strategies for successful case presentation in court.  Attendees will examine current technologies being utilized by stalkers, and learn methods to employ technology in the investigation of stalkers.  The presenters will use the facts from an actual case to strategize investigation choices, collaboration between victim advocates, law enforcement and prosecutors, charging options, pre-trial issues and trial tactics.

Deirdri Fishel

Detective Deirdri Fishel is a 15-year veteran of law enforcement.  She has been the primary investigator and Case Manager of the Centre County Victim Centered Intensive Care Management (VCICM) Unit since 2006.  The VCICM unit is tasked with the investigation, coordination, prosecution and response to domestic violence and stalking crimes throughout the county. The unit is a co-located unit supporting law enforcement and community based advocacy in a countywide team response. Detective Fishel is a Court recognized expert on domestic violence.  Detective Fishel is certified to train law enforcement on domestic violence issues and has been featured as a presenter and trainer across the nation.  She has trained Judges, Prosecutors, Municipal Police Officers, State Police, medical doctors, nurses, advocates, and other system professionals on the issues surrounding domestic violence and intimate partner stalking.  She has been a featured speaker/trainer at conferences for The National Center for Victims of Crime, Stalking Resource Center and the National Network to End Domestic Violence.

Jodi Rafkin

Jodi joined the National Center for Victims of Crime in June, 2008 and works as the Program Attorney for the Stalking Resource Center.  The mission of the Stalking Resource Center is to raise national awareness about stalking and to encourage the development and implementation of multidisciplinary responses to stalking in local communities across the country. Prior to joining the National Center, Jodi was a Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles County, an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of California, and a consultant for the American Bar Association, where she worked in developing countries to promote criminal justice reform and the rule of law.  She has over 20 years experience working with victims of crime, prosecuting cases involving sexual assault and domestic violence at the state and federal levels, and was the Violence Against Women Act Coordinator for the Eastern District of California. Jodi has trained on various topics, including stalking, domestic violence, sexual assault, international assistance, and counter terrorism.  She is a member of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP).  Jodi received her Juris Doctor from the University of Santa Clara School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Government from Simmons College.