[Ord. No. 6009 §2, 1-22-2008; Ord. No. 6032 §1(17-39.1), 9-9-2008]
A. 
Definitions. For the purposes of Sections 215.745 and 215.750, the following words shall have the meanings set out herein:
COURSE OF CONDUCT
A pattern of conduct composed of two (2) or more acts which may include communication by any means over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of "course of conduct". Such constitutionally protected activity includes picketing or other organized protests.
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS
The origination, emission, dissemination, transmission or reception of data, images, signals, sounds or other intelligence or equivalence of intelligence of any nature over any communications system by any method including, but not limited to, a fiber optic, electronic, magnetic, optical, digital or analog method. By way of example, "electronic communication" includes, but is not limited to:
1. 
Electronic mail;
2. 
Internet-based communications;
3. 
Pager service; and
4. 
Electronic text messaging.
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE
Any instrument, equipment, machine or other device that facilitates telecommunication including, but not limited to, a computer, computer network, computer chip, computer circuit, scanner, telephone, cellular telephone, pager, personal communications device, transponder, receiver, radio, modem, or device that enables the use of a modem.
HARASSES
To engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that serves no legitimate purpose that would cause a reasonable person under the circumstances to be frightened, intimidated or emotionally distressed.
B. 
For purposes of Sections 215.745 and 215.750, an offense alleged to have been committed by means of a writing, by telephone, or by an electronic communications device may be deemed to have been committed either at the place from which the communication was made or at the place where the communication was received.
[Ord. No. 6009 §2, 1-22-2008; Ord. No. 6032 §1(17-39.2), 9-9-2008]
A. 
A person commits the offense of stalking if he or she purposely, through his or her course of conduct, harasses or follows with the intent of harassing another person.
B. 
The offense of stalking shall be a misdemeanor and shall be punishable as provided in Section 100.110 of the Municipal Code of the City of Clayton, Missouri.
[Ord. No. 6009 §2, 1-22-2008; Ord. No. 6032 §1(17-39.3), 9-9-2008; Ord. No. 6232 §1, 9-18-2012]
A. 
A person commits the offense of harassment if he/she:
1. 
Knowingly communicates a threat to commit any felony to another person and in so doing, frightens, intimidates or causes emotional distress to such other person; or
2. 
When communicating with another person, knowingly uses coarse language offensive to one of average sensibility and thereby puts such person in reasonable apprehension of offensive physical contact or harm; or
3. 
Knowingly frightens, intimidates or causes emotional distress to another person by anonymously making a telephone call or any electronic communication; or
4. 
Knowingly communicates with another person who is, or who purports to be, seventeen (17) years of age or younger and in so doing and without good cause recklessly frightens, intimidates or causes emotional distress to such other person; or
5. 
Without good cause engages in any other act with the purpose to frighten, intimidate or cause emotional distress to another person, cause such person to be frightened, intimidated or emotionally distressed, and such person's response to the act is one of a person of average sensibilities considering the age of such person.
B. 
The offense of harassment shall be an ordinance violation and shall be punishable as provided in Section 100.110 of the Municipal Code of the City of Clayton, Missouri.
[1]
Editor's Note—Ord. no. 6032 §1, adopted September 9, 2008, repealed sections 215.740—215.755 and enacted the new provisions set out in sections 215.740—215.750 above. Section 215.755 "cyber-harassment" was repealed and replaced with the above provisions. Former section 215.755 derived from ord. no. 6009 §2, 1-22-08. At the editor's discretion, this section has been reserved for the city's future use.