MOSES LAKE — Local law enforcement officials say anyone who feels they are being harassed – whether online, by a neighbor or by someone they know – should reach out to police early, even if the behavior does not yet meet the threshold for a criminal charge under Washington law. 

Capt. Jeff Sursely of the Moses Lake Police Department said harassment cases can be complicated because Washington’s criminal statute is narrow.  

Under RCW 9A.46.020, harassment becomes a crime only when a person knowingly threatens to cause bodily injury, damage property, restrain someone, or commit another act intended to substantially harm a person’s physical health or safety – and the victim is placed in reasonable fear the threat will be carried out. 

“In Washington state, the chargeable offenses under harassment are threats to kill or serious bodily harm. Without that, it’s not criminal,” Sursely said. 

Because many situations fall outside the criminal definition, Sursely said officers often guide people toward civil protections instead. 

“What we’re starting to look at is advising people to get restraining orders, contact the court, no‑contact orders, anti‑harassment orders, depending on the situation,” he said.  

For cases involving family or intimate‑partner relationships, he said police frequently refer victims to New Hope, which helps individuals file protection orders. 

Sursely said anyone experiencing cyber harassment can also report incidents to the Internet Crime Complaint Center and should consider changing phone numbers or tightening privacy settings. 

Even when police cannot pursue charges, Sursely said people should still call. 

“Anything that is bothering them enough that they feel like they need to call the police would probably be one where they want to investigate getting an order from the court,” he said. “We will give them as much information as we can, even if we cannot do something criminally.” 

Grant County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Kyle Foreman said deputies follow the same guidance. 

“If someone feels they are the victim of harassment, they should contact their local law enforcement agency,” Foreman said, adding that state law limits what deputies can advise beyond pointing residents to the statute. 

What the law says 

Under RCW 9A.46.020, harassment is generally a gross misdemeanor, but it becomes a Class C felony if the threat involves killing someone, targets a criminal justice participant or election official, or if the suspect has prior harassment convictions involving the same victim or a protected party. 

The law also specifies that electronic communication – including texts, emails and social media messages – can constitute “words or conduct” when determining whether a threat was made. 

Don’t wait 

Sursely said the most important step is not waiting. 

“If it’s affecting your life, reach out to the police department,” he said. “Even if charges can’t be pushed, we can still help.” 

Resources are available: 

New Hope
311 W 3rd Ave., Moses Lake
Main office: 509-764-8402
24-hour-crisis line: 888-560-6027 

National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233
TheHotline.org 

Internet Crime Complaint Center
IC3.gov