NCJ Number
64290
Journal
CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND THE ELDERLY Dated: (SPRING 1979) Pages: 4-8
Date Published
1979
Length
5 pages
Annotation
THE SENIOR CITIZEN COMMUNITY SAFETY PROGRAM, A CITYWIDE CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAM IN CHICAGO OPERATING THROUGH THE MAYOR'S OFFICE, IS DESCRIBED.
Abstract
THE PROGRAM IS ADMINISTERED BY THE MAYOR'S OFFICE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AND THE HANDICAPPED. THE PROGRAM'S FIELD STAFF IS COMPOSED OF 27 RETIRED POLICE OFFICERS AND 2 RETIRED FIREMEN. THEIR JOB IS TO EDUCATE CHICAGO'S ELDERLY ON CRIME PREVENTION METHODS. THEIR CRIME PREVENTION EDUCATION PROGRAMS, USUALLY LECTURES, HAVE BEEN PRESENTED TO OVER 60,000 CHICAGO SENIOR CITIZENS IN THE PAST 2 YEARS SINCE 1977. THESE TALKS DISCUSS RESIDENTIAL AND PERSONAL SECURITY AS WELL AS TACTICS USED BY CONFIDENCE ARTISTS. ACCORDING TO ONE PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR, SENIOR CITIZENS ARE STILL VICTIMS OF THE SAME CRIMES (PURSESNATCHING, VANDALISM, AND BURGLARY) AS THEY WERE 6 YEARS AGO, BUT ARE STILL MOST AFRAID OF VIOLENT CRIMES. IN ADDITION, THEIR ATTITUDES OF HELPLESSNESS AND FRUSTRATION CONTINUE. BESIDES EDUCATION, THE PROGRAM INCLUDES VICTIM COUNSELING, EVALUATION OF HOMES FOR SECURITY DEFICIENCIES, FRAUD AVOIDANCE THROUGH EDUCATION AND PROVISION OF FLYERS TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, AND INTERGENERATIONAL SESSIONS IN HIGH SCHOOLS TO CREATE AWARENESS AMONG YOUTH OF THE ELDERLY'S PROBLEMS. BECAUSE OF THE ELECTION OF A NEW MAJOR AND TRANSFER OF THE SAFETY PROGRAM'S DIRECTOR, THE PROGRAM'S FUTURE IS UNCERTAIN. A PROFILE OF THE PROGRAM'S PAST DIRECTOR AND PHOTOGRAPHS ARE INCLUDED. (CFW)