NCJ Number
146693
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 41 Issue: 12 Dated: (December 1993) Pages: 27-30
Date Published
1993
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A program for helping elderly persons to become less vulnerable to muggings is featured.
Abstract
Due to their somewhat slowed, weakened physical status and their generally trusting nature, the elderly make easy targets for crooks seeking quick cash. Nearly a decade ago, amidst a wave of attacks against the elderly, the San Antonio (TX) Police Officers Association, in co-sponsorship with the Frost National Bank, began a program called Operation Blue. Once a month, officers bring a temporary banking facility to the elderly who live in city-owned housing projects. They operate for 2 to 4 hours at a time, two officers at each site, cashing government checks, and helping residents purchase money orders and pay bills. Sometimes, simple memory assistance is of great help. Since the program began, attacks against the elderly in the area have decreased. The association makes no monetary profit from Operation Blue, but the officers find the experience rewarding.