NCJ Number
39152
Date Published
1975
Length
22 pages
Annotation
THE CAUSES, INCIDENCE, AND EFFECTS OF CRIMES COMMITTED AGAINST THE ELDERLY ARE EXAMINED AND SUGGESTIONS FOR DECREASING THE FREQUENCY OF VICTIMIZATION ARE SET FORTH.
Abstract
THE CHAPTER IS DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS - VIOLENT CRIMES AND FRAUD. EACH SECTION CONTAINS CASE STUDIES ILLUSTRATING POINTS IN THE ACCOMPANYING NARRATIVES WHICH DESCRIBE EXISTING SOCIAL CONDITIONS, ATTITUDES, AND LAWS WHICH OFTEN LEAD TO VICTIMIZATION OF THE ELDERLY. AMONG THE SUGGESTED REFORMS ARE EMERGENCY SHELTER FOR ELDERLY CRIME, VICTIMS, 24-HOUR SOCIAL SERVICES, VICTIM COMPENSATION, IMPROVED STREET LIGHTING, SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING, EXPANSION OF DIRECT BANKING OF PENSION AND SOCIAL SECURITY CHECKS, HOME SECURITY IMPROVEMENT, COMMUNITY ESCORT SERVICE, AND CONSUMER LAW REFORMS. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POLICE INCLUDE TRAINING IN THE SOCIOLOGY OF LAW, LIAISON BETWEEN POLICE AND SOCIAL SERVICES, TRAINING OF YOUTH 'COURTESY' PATROLS AND USE OF RESERVES IN HIGH CRIME AREAS, SPECIAL POLICING IN AREAS WITH A LARGE ELDERLY POPULATION, AND SPECIAL POLICE EMERGENCY NUMBERS....EB