{ Collecting Evidence }

Tape Recording. In the overwhelming majority of all cases, the initial incident of faculty sexual harassment is completely unexpected by the victim, catching her "off-guard" and unprepared to respond. However, if you anticipate that the harassment will continue, and it often does, covertly tape recording future conversations can provide devastating, indisputable evidence to support your case. Technology exists to reliably match a person's voice with that on a tape.

Taping the harasser in action is the "ultimate" proof of his unlawful behavior. While taping, you can also verbally review earlier harassing incidents and solicit comments or confirmation from the professor to document their occurrence.

Micro cassette recorders and tapes are readily available at any retailer selling electronic equipment. They can be easily concealed in a pocket or purse and can reliably record conversations lasting up to 45 minutes without flipping the tape. We have found that tape recording perpetrators in action is a particularly effective way of proving your case. Thus, we highly recommend that you consider using this method of collecting evidence.

To be safe, check with a local attorney to insure that your taping strategy conforms with all relevant laws.

Specific retailers, model names and numbers, and prices include:
Wal-Mart.com Models range from $24.96 to $78.98

CircuitCity.com Models range from $24.99 to $299.99

Quality micro tapes can be purchased at Sears: 4-pack for $5.99

Phone Recording. Before using this approach to collect evidence, be sure to check with a local attorney to determine if you can legally tape record a telephone conversation in your state, if the other party is unaware that taping is occurring. Laws differ from one state to the next and it is important to confirm what statutes apply to you.

If taping is legal, recording phone conversations with the harassing professor can provide compelling evidence of his unlawful conduct. You can also use this technology to place a phone call to the professor to review earlier harassing incidents or unrecorded conversations and solicit his comments as documentation of their existence.

The equipment needed to tape phone conversations can be purchased from any major electronics retailer. Installation is typically quite simple and straightforward. Once operational, you can record any incoming or outgoing call. In the absence of highly sophisticated electronic equipment, the harasser would have no idea that taping was occurring.

Radio Shack Telephone conversation recording devices/adapters from $4.99 to $99.99

Gadget Universe 8 hour Telephone Recorder $119.95

Video Recording. If the harassing professor's behaviors can be video taped, this type of evidence can provide indisputable support for your complaint. For example, if a harasser tells you that he will drop by your apartment to discuss your course grade and how to improve it, the opportunity to collect video tape evidence exists.

This can be accomplished in a number of ways. First, you could ask a trusted friend to videotape some or all of the interaction from a hidden position. Second, you could also conceal a VCR in your living room area and turn it on just before the professor arrives.

A third option could be to use a mini-camcorder the size of a pen, such as the following:

BestBuy Aiptek PenCam $59.99

page last updated 10.17.02 by brandi