Police Procedures for Assisting Vulnerable Seniors
Local Police Assistance for the Elderly
Local police are often required to intervene in situations where elderly individuals make complaints about neighborhood annoyances that patrols cannot verify or find to be unfounded. Sometimes, these claims stem from underlying issues like depression or lack of communication. The elderly person may simply desire conversation due to anxiety or insomnia. Requests for help due to occasional accidents, deaths from natural causes in homes, and suicides are also frequent.
The attitude of local police should be supportive, involving active listening and efforts to reduce distress. They should also provide information on alternatives and be very tactful, as elderly individuals in difficult situations are highly vulnerable. Performance standards for this population, as with any other, depend on the specific case. We focus here on situations where there is no family or institutional social support, as it is preferable for existing support systems to take charge when available.
The most common cases include:
- Lost elderly person with documentation: They can be transported to their home. Depending on their condition, it might be suggested they visit their local social services center. In such cases, it is advisable to provide the transporting officers with a note indicating the relevant center for the elderly person.
- Lost elderly person without documentation: If found during the daytime, they can be directed to the appropriate social services center. If found at night, they can be taken to a shelter. It is important to inform the Commissioner’s office about the situation in case the person has been reported missing, aiding potential identification.
They may also be invited into the patrol car for a tour of the area where they were found to help them remember any familiar streets or buildings. During this time, officers can ask questions about their past to gather potentially identifying information.
Standards for Addressing Elder Mistreatment
Elder abuse can be defined as any non-accidental act or omission that threatens the security or the satisfaction of basic psychological needs of individuals aged 65 years or older. The decline in functional and psychosocial skills in older adults means that police interactions require specific approaches.
Key standards to follow include:
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Devote more time to understanding:
- Have patience when listening, showing genuine interest.
- Speak clearly and concisely.
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Recognize differing perceptions of police roles: Remember that an older person’s understanding of police culture might differ from the current public service concept.
- Police should take the initiative in approaching the individual.
- Building a good rapport can facilitate understanding their problems.
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Customize treatment for those with security issues:
- Facilitate the procedures for lodging complaints.
- Provide preferential treatment in bureaucratic processes, avoiding long waits.
- Offer advice, even for simple procedures, as it can be helpful.
- Inform them of the steps being taken regarding events that affect them and the outcomes.
- Elderly person refusing assistance due to illness: If an elderly person with a physical or mental illness refuses assistance, it is advisable to inform the district’s welfare services if the situation is not immediately serious. If there is a risk, inform the police court to potentially arrange placement in a hospital.