NCJ Number
172545
Date Published
1996
Length
20 pages
Annotation
A futures study focused on trends and issues related to elderly persons and their implications for police agencies in California and elsewhere.
Abstract
The analysis noted that current and future issues will include the under-reporting of abuse of elderly persons; the lack of attention to fraud, scams, and fiduciary abuse against the elderly; the high vulnerability of the elderly; and the large future increase in the elderly population. Other issues include longer lives due to advances in medical technology and the increasing number of elderly states-people, leading to an increase in laws that protect the elderly. Further issues are the increase in caregivers and the resulting increase in crimes against the elderly, as well as the financial instability of the baby boomer generation and the resulting increase in vulnerability in the elderly. California has several organizations to assist law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of crimes against the elderly. Current needs include improved methods of reporting elder abuse; more attention in the areas of fraud, scams, and fiduciary abuse; and law enforcement assistance to reduce the high vulnerability of an elderly population. Law enforcement should meet these and other needs through collaboration among law enforcement, advocacy organizations, and State and local community programs. Reference notes