How should institutions count incidents of stalking for crime statistics?

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of recognizing all instances of stalking that are reported to the institution, regardless of whether they occur at different locations or whether they lead to an arrest. In the context of the Clery Act, the goal is to ensure that all relevant incidents are accurately reported in crime statistics to maintain transparency and inform the campus community about safety issues.

This approach acknowledges that stalking can occur in various forms and may not always lead to a legal outcome such as an arrest. By counting all reports—especially those at the same location—institutions are better equipped to understand the prevalence and patterns of stalking on campus. This data can inform prevention strategies and improve support for affected individuals.

While other methods of counting incidents, such as limiting reports to only the first instance within a certain timeframe or only those leading to arrests, may seem practical, they would not provide a comprehensive view of the problem. Therefore, counting each report, even at the same location, aligns with the intent of the Clery Act to represent a full picture of campus safety issues, ensuring that proper resources and responses can be allocated effectively.