It focuses on reducing unwarranted fear of crime and improving the quality of life of seniors. Older Americans comprise the most rapidly growing segment of the population. Increased life expectancy is leading to new issues and problems for the criminal justice system as most communities experience a dramatic increase in the number of older persons. The three national organizations agreed that police chiefs, sheriffs, older leaders, and Triad, work with seniors, working together, could devise better ways to reduce crimes against the elderly and enhance law enforcement services to older citizens. This, they believe, is true community policing, providing better service to a population which appreciates, respects, and supports law enforcement.
Council members can be a valuable source of input.
They can assist in determining the concerns of the community's elderly persons, assess the availability of existing services and programs for the elderly, and recommend additional strategies. The focus is determined by both, assessing the needs of the particular community. Areas with more serious crime problems may focus on crime prevention and victim assistance. Places where older persons are not often targets for crime may decide to concentrate on reassurance programs, training for law enforcement, and involving volunteers within the law enforcement agencies. Update on current crimes affecting older persons 2.