NCJ Number
50558
Journal
Aging Issue: 281-282 Dated: (MARCH/APRIL 1978) Pages: 17-22
Date Published
1978
Length
6 pages
Annotation
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE (IACP) TALKS ABOUT CRIME AND THE ELDERLY, INCLUDING HOW THE POLICE AND THE ELDERLY CAN WORK TO COMBAT CRIME.
Abstract
IN A MAGAZINE INTERVIEW, GLEN KING SAYS THAT THE ELDERLY, WHO ARE MORE DEPENDENT THAN OTHER SEGMENTS OF SOCIETY, CALL UPON THE POLICE MORE THAN OTHERS GROUPS. THEY ARE VULNERABLE TO ALMOST ALL CRIME, BUT ESPECIALLY TO SWINDLE AND FRAUD. FEAR OF CRIME IS A SPECIAL PROBLEM, FOR IT LEADS THEM TO BECOME PRISONERS IN THEIR OWN HOMES. MOST MODERN POLICE TRAINING INCLUDES ATTENTION TO THE PROBLEMS OF THE ELDERLY, AND MOST POLICE DEPARTMENTS HAVE SPECIAL PROGRAMS TO COMBAT THIS TYPE OF CRIME. THE ELDERLY CAN BE EDUCATED TO IDENTIFY DANGERS AND TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AND CAN THEMSELVES GIVE DIRECT ASSISTANCE TO THE POLICE. THE MOST EFFECTIVE PROGRAMS, HOWEVER, ARE THOSE THAT ARE PART OF NORMAL, ROUTINE POLICE ACTIVITIES. ANOTHER WAY THE ELDERLY CAN HELP THEMSELVES IS BY JOINING WITH THE REST OF THE VOTING PUBLIC IN DEMANDING VIGOROUS LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PROSECUTION OF CRIMINALS. KING NOTES THAT DIRECT MAIL DEPOSIT OF SOCIAL SECURITY CHECKS HAS HELPED TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF MAILBOX THEFT. INFORMATION ON OTHER SUCH SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMS IS BEING DISSEMINATED THROUGH IACP. ALTHOUGH THE INCIDENCE OF CRIME AGAINST THE ELDERLY IS GREATEST IN URBAN AREAS WHERE THE YOUNG AND THE OLD LIVE IN PROXIMITY, KING BELIEVES SEGREGATION OF THE OLD IS NOT A REALISTIC OR DESIRED SOLUTION. TO FULFILL SOCIETY'S RESPONSIBILITY, HE URGES THE ENACTMENT OF STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATION TO COMPENSATE CRIME VICTIMS.