Mailer Raises Gangstalking Claims Across Suffolk

A mailer distributed across Suffolk County is drawing attention to a local organization that claims residents are being subjected to coordinated surveillance and harassment involving law enforcement agencies and community members.

The Gangstalking Awareness group, which lists a Center Moriches address and operates a website devoted to the issue, describes itself as a public awareness organization seeking to expose what it calls “unseen injustices,” combat targeted harassment and demand greater transparency from government agencies.

The mailer, titled “Concerned Neighbors,” alleges the FBI utilizes local law enforcement agencies, including the Suffolk County Police Department’s 7th Precinct, New York State Police, Riverhead Police Department and Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, in surveillance activities. It further alleges private investigators, community groups, police informants and others participate in what the organization calls “multi-person stalking.”

The group does not provide evidence in the mailer establishing that Suffolk law enforcement agencies are participating in such a coordinated program, and its broader allegations should not be confused with documented law enforcement surveillance practices.

The mailer does cite an American Civil Liberties Union investigation into FBI nondisclosure agreements involving cell-site simulators, commonly known as Stingrays. The technology can mimic cellphone towers and be used by authorities to locate cellular devices. The ACLU reported obtaining documents showing the FBI imposed secrecy requirements on state and local law enforcement agencies using the technology.

That documented controversy does not establish the mailer’s broader allegations of organized community stalking in Suffolk County.

The organization says its mission is to raise public awareness, provide support for people who describe themselves as “targeted individuals” and press federal, state and local authorities for greater accountability and transparency regarding surveillance practices.