Reporting Stalking to North Dakota Officials
Every hotline, state agency, and court resource you need to report stalking in North Dakota.
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How to use this guide
This guide covers statewide North Dakota resources: the government agencies, hotlines, and courts that serve every county. Each section also tells you how to find the right local office near you.
Start here: North Dakota's Disorderly Conduct Restraining Order requires no specific relationship with the stalker at all — neighbor, stranger, or anyone else qualifies.
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.
North Dakota State Highway Patrol
701-328-2455
For non-emergency matters and general information.
North Dakota Bureau of Investigation
701-328-8100
Can support local agencies on serious or cross-jurisdiction cases.
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.
North Dakota — Statewide Agencies
ND Dept. of Corrections & Rehabilitation — Victim Services Program
701-328-6183
Toll-free 1-888-568-4410 · victimservices@nd.gov · notification and support for victims.
docr.nd.gov ↗ND DOCR — Crime Victims Compensation
701-328-6195
Toll-free 1-800-445-2322 · covers medical, counseling, and lost-wage expenses.
docr.nd.gov ↗ND Courts — Disorderly Conduct Restraining Order Forms
Via ndcourts.gov
Official petition and cover sheet, with instructions for self-represented petitioners.
ndcourts.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 North Dakota.
Your District Court
Find yours via ndcourts.gov
File a Disorderly Conduct Restraining Order — you do not need any specific relationship with the stalker.
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.
Disorderly Conduct Restraining Order (DCRO)
What it is: a civil order for intrusive or unwanted acts, words, or gestures meant to harm your safety, security, or privacy — no relationship with the respondent required.
How long it lasts: up to two years.
Help filing: a state's attorney can advise and assist you in preparing the petition documents.
Where to file
Any North Dakota state district court.
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 Victim Services Program.
Getting a Protective Order
- 1Go to your District Court and ask for a Petition for Disorderly Conduct Restraining Order.
- 2Ask your state's attorney's office for help preparing the petition if you'd like it.
- 3Describe each incident with as much detail as possible — dates, what happened, and any pattern you've noticed.
- 4A judge can issue a temporary order without notice to the other party, pending a full hearing within 14 days.
- 5The order is served on the other party — keep a copy with you, at home, and at work.
Specialized Support
ND Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting
833-958-3500
8am–5pm · call 911 if a child is in immediate danger.
ND Health & Human Services — Adult Protective Services
Via hhs.nd.gov
Find your local human service zone's APS contact.
hhs.nd.gov ↗Quick-Reference Contact Sheet
| Agency | Phone | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical | 911 | Emergency |
| North Dakota State Highway Patrol | 701-328-2455 | Emergency |
| North Dakota Bureau of Investigation | 701-328-8100 | Emergency |
| ND Dept. of Corrections & Rehabilitation — Victim Services Program | 701-328-6183 | Statewide |
| ND DOCR — Crime Victims Compensation | 701-328-6195 | Statewide |
| ND Courts — Disorderly Conduct Restraining Order Forms | Via ndcourts.gov | Statewide |
| ND Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting | 833-958-3500 | Specialized |
| ND Health & Human Services — Adult Protective Services | Via hhs.nd.gov | Specialized |
Frequently Asked Questions — Reporting Stalking in North Dakota
How do I report stalking in North Dakota?
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 North Dakota?
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 North Dakota?
What it is: a civil order for intrusive or unwanted acts, words, or gestures meant to harm your safety, security, or privacy — no relationship with the respondent required. How long it lasts: up to two years. Help filing: a state's attorney can advise and assist you in preparing the petition documents.
Is there a fee to file a protective order in North Dakota?
Filing fees vary by court in North Dakota, but many protection-order petitions for stalking victims are free or fee-waived. The court listed in this guide can confirm the current fee before you file.
Can I get financial help for stalking-related costs in North Dakota?
Yes — North Dakota has a victim compensation program that may help cover medical, counseling, and lost-wage costs. Contact ND DOCR — Crime Victims Compensation at 701-328-6195.
What counts as stalking under North Dakota 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 North Dakota, a protective order is generally available regardless of your relationship to the stalker.
Can I report stalking in North Dakota 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 North Dakota?
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 North Dakota?
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 North Dakota reporting guide?
You can download the free North Dakota reporting guide as a PDF at https://www.stalking.org/Stalking.org-Reporting-to-North-Dakota-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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