The Stalking Protection Act 2019 received Royal Assent on 15 March 2019. The Act introduces a new civil Stalking Protection Order. The new order closes a gap in the existing protective order regime. The threshold to commence criminal proceedings for the commission of an offence does not need to be met for an order to be made - this allows for early police intervention in stalking cases.

The use of Stalking Protection Orders should be considered as part of local adult and/or child safeguarding and public protection procedures.

This guidance is for the police in the exercise of their functions in relation to Stalking Protection Orders. It is designed to assist police officers to make appropriate and proportionate assessments when considering whether or not to apply for or to seek to vary an order.