Persistent Electronic Harassment Raises Concerns Over Law Enforcement Response
Chicago resident Dominique Ward finds herself trapped in a distressing situation as she grapples with the relentless electronic harassment she and her twin daughters have been subjected to by their father, Micah Berkley. Despite seeking help from various authorities, Ward’s pleas for intervention have largely fallen on deaf ears, shedding light on the complex and often apathetic response to electronic harassment cases in Illinois.
Ward’s ordeal began when she made an unplanned stop at a Target store with her daughters, only to discover later that Berkley had posted an open letter to his children on Facebook, detailing their recent encounter. This incident served as a stark reminder that strangers were actively tracking Ward’s whereabouts, taking advantage of Berkley’s offers for information about his children.
Records reveal that Ward and her attorney, Lindsay Nathan, have sought assistance from the Chicago police, Cook County prosecutors, and Facebook employees. However, their efforts have been met with explanations of why little could be done to address the issue. A Tribune analysis of crime data further exposes the disheartening reality that Chicago police have made arrests in only a minuscule percentage of domestic-related electronic harassment and cyberstalking complaints over the past decade.
Ward’s concerns are not isolated, as an examination of data from multiple Illinois police departments reveals a similar pattern of low arrest rates for electronic harassment cases. Experts argue that while state laws have adapted to address this modern form of intimidation, law enforcement agencies have not kept pace, resulting in a lack of resources and training to effectively investigate and prosecute these crimes.
The challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling electronic harassment stem from the tech-savvy nature of offenders, who often conceal their tracks, making it difficult to attribute the offensive messages to them. Furthermore, proving the suspect’s authorship of the messages can be a daunting task. As a result, these cases are often deprioritized, leaving victims without adequate protection.
The Chicago Police Department’s handling of Ward’s complaints and electronic harassment cases, in general, has come under scrutiny. Despite evidence to the contrary, a police report from February 2021 states that Ward did not wish to press charges against Berkley. However, both Ward and her attorney dispute this claim, citing their persistent efforts to have the electronic harassment investigated.
Frustrated by the lack of assistance from local law enforcement, Nathan reached out to the FBI, sharing Berkley’s Facebook posts, court records, and Ward’s order of protection against him. While federal agents expressed concern for Ward’s safety, no further action was taken.
Berkley, on the other hand, asserts his First Amendment right to his social media messages, including posts that divulged personal information about Ward and her therapist. He views his actions as a form of “technological warfare” to challenge custody and child support rulings that he believes have been unfair.
Ward’s case highlights the urgent need for improved training and resources for law enforcement agencies to effectively combat electronic harassment. The Rand study recommends increased training on emerging technologies and investigative strategies, as well as a better understanding of the nature of digital evidence and the impact of electronic harassment on victims.
In addition to law enforcement, social media platforms like Facebook also play a crucial role in addressing electronic harassment. In Ward’s case, Facebook only took action after intervention from a political consultant who contacted Governor J.B. Pritzker’s office. This raises questions about equal access and the platform’s commitment to protecting users without political connections.