CRIME AGAINST THE ELDERLY - A CHALLENGE TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM (FROM INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY CORRECTIONS AND THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES, 12TH ANNUAL INTERAGENCY WORKSHOP - PROCEEDINGS, 1977 - SEE NCJ-50660)

• NCJ Number: 50667
• Author(s): P H HAHN
• Date Published: 1977
• Length: 5 pages
• Corporate Author: Sam Houston State University
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE VULNERABILITY OF THE ELDERLY TO CRIME ARE DESCRIBED, TOGETHER WITH THE CONSEQUENCES OF VICTIMIZATION, AND SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM ARE OFFERED.

Abstract

THE VULNERABILITY OF THE ELDERLY TO CRIME IS SEEN TO LIE IN THE FOLLOWING SOCIOECONOMIC AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS FREQUENTLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE AGED: PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL ISOLATION; RESIDENCE IN LOW-INCOME HOUSING UNITS AND NEIGHBORHOODS WITH HIGH CRIME RATES; LACK OF PHYSICAL STRENGTH TO DEFEND AGAINST ATTACK; VISIBILITY OF PHYSICAL WEAKNESS; OBSERVABLE PATTERNS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CASHING OF SOCIAL SECURITY CHECKS; AND EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL WEAKNESS. THE MOST DEVASTATING EFFECTS OF CRIME AGAINST THE AGED ARE CONSIDERED TO BE PHYSICAL DAMAGE AND SUFFERING, FINANCIAL COST, EMOTIONAL TRAUMA, AND A RESTRICTED LIFESTYLE DUE TO FEAR. THE BRONX SENIOR CITIZENS ROBBERY UNIT IS CITED AS AN EFFECTIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT ATTACK UPON ROBBERY OF SENIOR CITIZENS. THE UNIT PUBLISHES A CRIME ALERT BULLETIN AMONG SENIOR CITIZENS TO DESCRIBE THE METHODS OF OPERATION AND THE LOCATION WHERE CRIMES ARE BEING COMMITTED. THE UNIT ALSO GEARS ITS METHODS OF INVESTIGATING ROBBERIES TO THE NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY. THIS INCLUDES THE BRINGING OF PHOTOGRAPHS OF PRIME SUSPECTS TO THE HOMES OF VICTIMS TO SAVE THEM THE INCONVENIENCE OF TRAVELING TO THE PRECINCT. A TELEPHONE-ALERT SYSTEM HAS ALSO BEEN DEVISED WITH THE COOPERATION OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, WHEREBY THE PLAINTIFF REMAINS HOME ON TELEPHONE-ALERT TO BE BROUGHT TO COURT ONLY WHEN AN APPEARANCE IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL. CRIME PREVENTION LECTURES ARE DELIVERED AT SENIOR CITIZEN GATHERINGS, AND COOPERATION BETWEEN THE AGENCIES DEALING WITH THE PROBLEMS OF THE ELDERLY IS COORDINATED. VICTIM COMPENSATION PROGRAMS FOR THE ELDERLY ARE ALSO RECOMMENDED, WHEREBY THE STATE WILL COMPENSATE THE VICTIM FOR LOSSES REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT THE OFFENDER HAS THE ABILITY TO PAY. CAUTION IS URGED TO TRYING TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM BY INCREASING THE HARSHNESS OF SENTENCES. CONFINEMENT IS RECOMMENDED FOR HABITUAL AND VIOLENT OFFENDERS, BUT COMMUNITY-BASED CORRECTIONS IS SUGGESTED AS THE MOST EFFECTIVE REHABILITATIVE APPROACH. (RCB)