NCJ Number
144974
Journal
Wisconsin Police Journal Volume: 61 Issue: 3 Dated: (Fall 1993) Pages: 54-59
Date Published
1993
Length
6 pages
Annotation
In order to develop crime prevention programs geared toward the concerns of senior citizens, police departments should first become familiar with the programs that are available to senior citizens in their area.
Abstract
These might include nutrition, exercise, socialization, and travel programs organized through the local senior citizen community center, and shut-in calling programs. The department can become involved with this type of program in order to deliver rapid emergency care to people in need. Aspects that might be considered in designing a crime prevention program are encouraging senior citizens to wear medic alert bracelets, have health histories available to first responders, and use electronic monitoring devices. The Wander Program for Alzheimer's Disease patients can be included in a crime prevention program as well. Older senior citizens living on fixed incomes would be most interested in acquiring low-cost alarm systems. Sometimes, seniors can obtain help in securing their homes through Federal grants or through the services of local volunteer organizations. Crime prevention programs offered at the community center could focus on credit card fraud, scams perpetrated by people posing as repairmen, and robbery. Senior citizens can provide a valuable asset to crime prevention programs because they are often at home or in the neighborhood, are very observant, and know the people who live or belong in the vicinity.