Standover

Standover refers to a form of intimidation in which a person physically stands over a target to signal dominance and to pressure the victim into surrendering money, property, or compliance. The tactic relies on proximity and a commanding posture, often accompanied by verbal threats or implied violence rather than immediate physical force. It is commonly used in debt collection, extortion, or as a means for a criminal group to enforce discipline.

Origin and usage of the term are rooted in criminology and law enforcement discourse, particularly in Australia and other English-speaking regions. A standover man is typically described as an enforcer who uses fear and intimidation to extract payment or to silence a target. The technique emphasizes psychological pressure as much as any physical action.

Legal and social implications include the potential classification of standover tactics as criminal offenses such as assault, intimidation, extortion, or robbery, depending on the jurisdiction and the presence of threats or violence. Victims may pursue criminal charges, protective orders, or civil remedies. Law enforcement and courts may treat standover acts as part of broader patterns of coercive crime or organized crime.

Context and variations note that standover tactics have appeared in historical and contemporary crime contexts, including organized crime and youth gangs, but the core element remains coercive intimidation. While sometimes discussed in relation to debt disputes or street-level enforcement, the underlying concern is the use of fear to control or extract resources, rather than a simple act of property crime.