Reporting Stalking to Maryland Officials
Every hotline, state agency, and court resource you need to report stalking in Maryland.
In danger now? Call 911 · National DV Hotline 1-800-799-7233 · Crisis Line 988
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How to use this guide
This guide covers statewide Maryland resources: the government agencies, hotlines, and courts that serve every county and Baltimore City. Each section also tells you how to find the right local office for your specific county.
Start here: Maryland's Peace Order covers stalking or harassment by anyone, including a stranger — no fee to file, and available from a District Court Commissioner when the clerk's office is closed.
Before you call: have your documentation ready — dates, what happened, any messages or photos saved, and whether a report has already been filed elsewhere.
If you're in danger: call 911 first. Every other number in this guide is for follow-up support, not emergency response.
Emergency & Immediate Danger
Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical
911
Call if you are in immediate danger, right now.
Maryland State Police (find your local barrack)
Via mdsp.maryland.gov
For non-emergency matters outside local police jurisdiction.
Maryland Child & Adult Protective Services Hotline
1-800-917-7383
24/7, statewide — one number for suspected child or adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Can't speak safely? In areas where Text-to-911 is supported, you can text instead of calling — check with your mobile carrier for coverage in your county.
Maryland — Statewide Agencies
Maryland Governor's Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services
410-697-9312
Statewide victim services information and referrals.
goccp.maryland.gov ↗Maryland Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (CICB)
1-888-679-9347
410-585-3010 · 6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 209, Baltimore, MD 21215 · covers medical, counseling, and lost-wage expenses.
goccp.maryland.gov/victims/cicb ↗Maryland Courts — Peace & Protective Orders
Via mdcourts.gov
Official forms and instructions, available in bilingual format.
mdcourts.gov ↗Reporting to Local Police & Sheriffs
Stalking is usually reported to the police department in the city where you live or work, or to your county sheriff outside city limits.
Your local police department (non-emergency line)
Dial 911, or search “[your city] police non-emergency”
Stalking can be reported at any city police department or county sheriff's office.
Your county sheriff's office
Varies by county
Primary law enforcement in unincorporated parts of Maryland.
District Court Clerk's Office (your county)
Find yours via mdcourts.gov
File a Peace Order for stalking or harassment by anyone, including a stranger — no fee to file, and available from a District Court Commissioner when the clerk's office is closed.
Good to know: you can file a report at any police department, not only the one nearest the stalker. Ask for the officer's name, a complaint or case number, and how to follow up.
Peace Orders & Protective Orders in Maryland
Peace Order: covers stalking or harassment by anyone, including a stranger — no domestic relationship required.
Protective Order: used instead when the stalker is a spouse, former spouse, co-parent, or other family or household member.
Stages & cost: an Interim order, then a Temporary order, then a Final order (up to 6 months) — with no fee to file at any stage.
Maryland Courts
Bilingual petition forms and instructions for both Peace and Protective Orders.
mdcourts.gov ↗When courts are closed
A District Court Commissioner can issue an Interim order any time, day or night.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect
Filing a Police Report
- 1Go to any police department or county sheriff's office — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker.
- 2Ask to speak with an officer and say clearly that you want to report stalking or harassment.
- 3Bring your documentation: dates, messages, photos, and names of any witnesses.
- 4Ask for the report's complaint number before you leave, and request a copy if possible.
- 5Ask about victim assistance resources — many departments have a victim advocate or can refer you to the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention.
Getting a Protective Order
- 1Go to your District Court Clerk's office and ask for a Petition for Peace Order.
- 2Describe each act within the last 30 days with as much detail as possible — dates, what happened, and any pattern you've noticed.
- 3File the petition; there is no fee.
- 4A District Court Commissioner can issue an Interim order right away, even outside business hours.
- 5The order is served on the other party by law enforcement — keep a copy with you, at home, and at work.
Specialized Support
Maryland Child & Adult Protective Services Hotline
1-800-917-7383
1-800-91PREVENT · 24/7, statewide — one number covers both suspected child abuse and adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Quick-Reference Contact Sheet
| Agency | Phone | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical | 911 | Emergency |
| Maryland State Police (find your local barrack) | Via mdsp.maryland.gov | Emergency |
| Maryland Child & Adult Protective Services Hotline | 1-800-917-7383 | Emergency |
| Maryland Governor's Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services | 410-697-9312 | Statewide |
| Maryland Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (CICB) | 1-888-679-9347 | Statewide |
| Maryland Courts — Peace & Protective Orders | Via mdcourts.gov | Statewide |
| Maryland Child & Adult Protective Services Hotline | 1-800-917-7383 | Specialized |
Frequently Asked Questions — Reporting Stalking in Maryland
How do I report stalking in Maryland?
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, file a report with your local police department or county sheriff's office — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker. Bring dates, messages, photos, and witness names, and ask for the complaint or case number before you leave.
What should I do first if I think I'm being stalked in Maryland?
Stop engaging and start documenting. Save every message, call log, and screenshot with dates and times, and keep a written log of each incident. Then report it to local law enforcement using the contacts in this guide, and call 911 any time you are in immediate danger.
How do I get a protective order in Maryland?
Peace Order: covers stalking or harassment by anyone, including a stranger — no domestic relationship required. Protective Order: used instead when the stalker is a spouse, former spouse, co-parent, or other family or household member. Stages & cost: an Interim order, then a Temporary order, then a Final order (up to 6 months) — with no fee to file at any stage.
Is there a fee to file a protective order in Maryland?
No — Maryland's protective-order process does not charge a filing fee, and many courts also waive related costs for stalking victims. The court listed in this guide can confirm current procedures before you file.
Can I get financial help for stalking-related costs in Maryland?
Yes — Maryland has a victim compensation program that may help cover medical, counseling, and lost-wage costs. Contact Maryland Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (CICB) at 1-888-679-9347.
What counts as stalking under Maryland law?
Stalking is a repeated pattern of unwanted conduct — following you, repeated calls, texts, or messages, showing up uninvited, tracking your location, or making threats — that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety. In Maryland, a protective order is generally available regardless of your relationship to the stalker.
Can I report stalking in Maryland if the stalker lives in another state?
Yes. File the report where you live or where the stalking occurred. If the behavior crosses state lines, tell the officer — some cases may involve cross-jurisdiction or federal enforcement.
Can I report stalking anonymously in Maryland?
You can submit tips anonymously through statewide hotlines, and many child and adult abuse hotlines accept anonymous reports. For a criminal case, your name may need to appear on the report — ask the agency about its confidentiality policy.
What evidence should I save when reporting stalking in Maryland?
Save every message, email, voicemail, screenshot, and call log with dates and times; keep a written incident log; and note any witnesses. Back everything up to a secure location the stalker cannot access.
Where can I download the printable Maryland reporting guide?
You can download the free Maryland reporting guide as a PDF at https://www.stalking.org/Stalking.org-Reporting-to-Maryland-Officials.pdf. It includes every phone number and court contact in one printable sheet.
Disclaimer
The information on Stalking.org is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, medical advice, or mental-health advice, and it does not create an attorney-client or other professional relationship. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 (United States) or your local emergency number — Stalking.org is not a crisis hotline. Laws and platform policies change frequently, so always consult a qualified attorney, law enforcement officer, or licensed professional about your specific situation.
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