How do I prove a resident in a building i walk dogs in is actually Harassing me? Would a hidden cam filing him be proof?

Question

A resident in a NYC Manhattan building i walk dogs for doesn't like me.  He follows me sometimes and recently interfered in an argument i had with a mail carrier who ran his mail cart over a tiny dog's paw.   He thretened to make a false claim to the police just to get me in trouble.  He didn't though and walked away. Months ago he tried to bother me and wrote a letter to building managmnet to say I'm aggressive to him outside.  He targets me as someone to annoy.  Isn't this illegal?  If I wear a hidden video recorder and catch him following me or talking to me while I try to avoid him, can i use the video footage as proof of Harassment in the 2nd degree? NYC court..........How do I keep safe from strangers who harrass me? Is video camera the only proof? Is it proof good enough? Sometimes people follow and harrass dog walkers. :(

V. Jonas Urba · Answer

Unfortunately approximately 1 of every 25 or 4 out of 100 people in the U.S. is sociopathic or suffers with what is called a complex personality disorder. This person could be one. 
 
If they are stay away or apply for a protective order if you have a reasonable safety fear or issue. The problem with that option is that a judge may not feel comfortable ordering a person to leave their own residence when you do your job. More likely you would have to work around their schedule. Maybe not work that building? 
 
Sociopaths have no conscience and are unable to love anyone. They can put on a great public appearance of being nice and target a person for a reason that you or I would find ridiculous. Although antisocial they need people to humiliate or degrade so even though it would seem they might avoid the city it's the opposite. They can create conflict and since no one probably really knows them since anyone who really does avoids them it will be next to impossible for you to prove who they really are. 
 
If they are sociopathic the best thing is no interaction and no drama. If you are not upset they will move on since you don't provide the "high" they get from seeing you angry or in pain. Good luck. Tough situation with no easy solution.

Ali Shahrestani, · Answer

A restraining order may be appropriate. You can report this to the landlord as well. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney such as myself. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/ publications on my law practice website, www.AEesq.com. I practice law in CA, NY, MA, and DC in the following areas of law: Business & Contracts, Criminal Defense, Divorce & Child Custody, and Education Law. This answer does not constitute legal advice; make any predictions, guarantees, or warranties; or create any Attorney-Client relationship.

Q: How do I prove a resident in a building i walk dogs in is actually Harassing me? Would a hidden cam filing him be proof?