Student Coordinated Community Response Team Hosts Stalking Awareness Event

On January 21, the Student Coordinated Community Response Team (CCRT) hosted the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s first Stalking Awareness Event, engaging students in important conversations about stalking on college campuses. The event was held in recognition of National Stalking Awareness Month, as designated by SPARC (Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center).

The event was led by CCRT President Emilie Whitehouse and Vice President Payton Miller. Emilie is a student and graduate assistant in the Criminology and Criminal Justice PhD program, and Payton is a Graduate Assistant at UNO and an Enhanced Advocate at the Heartland Family Service. Their roles reflect the organization’s student-led approach to advocacy and education.

Guest speaker Kim Retzlaff—a retired Omaha Police Department (OPD) sergeant, UNO alumna, and current Assistant Director of Undergraduate Programs in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice—shared her expertise through the unique perspective of both a former law enforcement officer and a university administrator.

Retzlaff’s presentation focused on breaking down common misconceptions about stalking and highlighting data on the populations most impacted by it. By walking students through a real-life case study, she helped attendees identify warning signs of stalking behavior and emphasized the importance of taking early action and involving authorities and support services when safety is at risk.

In addition to the presentation, the event included a “Sparkle for Stalking” activity funded by the Office on Violence Against Women Campus Grant. Participants created bracelets in honor of Peggy Klinke, whose life was taken by her stalker and who is remembered for her vibrant personality. In the wake of her death, a “bring back the sparkle” movement emerged to raise awareness about stalking and honor its victims. Refreshments and snacks were provided by the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

Some campus resources were also present to support students, including UNO’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, and Advocacy Services. Representatives shared information about available support offered through the university.

As the home of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, UNO’s College of Public Affairs and Community Service (CPACS) continues to support student-driven initiatives like the CCRT. Events such as this one highlight CPACS’s commitment to preparing future professionals to address pressing public safety issues through research, community engagement, and advocacy.

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Next Meeting:
February 3, 1:00–2:00 P.M. in CPACS Room 208

Upcoming Event:
Curling and Consent in April for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. More details will be announced soon.