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FIRST REPORT
AN DUCATION PROGRAM AND INTERAGENCY MODEL FOR POLICE OFFICERS ON ELDER ABUSE AND NEGLECT
HV 8079 .225 E25 1993 FIRST REPORT
AN 4DUCATION PROGRAM AND INTERAGENCY MODEL FOR POLICE OFFICERS ON ELDER ABUSE AND NEGLECT
SOLICiTOR G!1NERAL CANADA
JUN JUIN § 1997
soworrÊtni Gtemi. CANADA OTTAWA pm-rincA MA OM 1
February 9, 1993 Police Policy and Research Division 340 Laurier Ave. West, 8th floor Ottawa, Ontario KlA OP8
Attention: Karim ISMAILI
Re: An Education Program and Interagency Model for Police Officers on Elder Abuse and Negle,ct - contract file # 1515-92/QUI-439
Dear Sir,
It is our pleasure to submit this first progress report of the objectives achieved thus far. Please refer to the following sections in the accompanying report.
1 SECTION 1 - Literature Review (completed) SECTION 2 - Questionnaire: Distribution and Analysis (completed) SECTION 3 - Outline of Training Package (draft stage) SECTION 4 - Outline of Interagency Model (draft stage) SECTION 5 - Revised Project Work Plan
The committee voted on November 10, 1992 to refer to abuse of this age group as "elder" abuse rather than "senior" abuse, in order to be consistent with current literature.
Substantial progress has been made to date on the e,ducation/training package for police officers. An extensive literature review has been complete,d; the Toronto elder abuse project consulted; and about three quarters of the training package written in draft form. More specifically, parts A and B and most of part C, as presented in the enclosed outline, have been completed.
A police advisory committee has been established and the training package and protocols will be reviewed by this committee on an ongoing basis. We have also met with community agencies regarding the development of an interagency model.
There was some concern about the response to the questionnaire from the Province of Québec. In order to rectify this, the Project Committee has decided to make a second distribution in French. This questionnaire should be distribute,d by February 15, 1993. A return date of February 28, 1993 has been requested. An amended report will be forwarded in the near future.
3045 Baseline Rd., Nepean, Ontario, 14211 8134 (613) 721-2000 Pnnted on recycled pooer We feel that to create an effective protocol, it is necessary to conduct an in-depth police file review, using Nepean Police Service and Ottawa Police Service records. We have extracted approximately 450 files from Nepean Police Service and 720 files from Ottawa Police Service. Both reviews are now complete. We have experienced delays in the following areas: 1) start-up time, 2) returns of completed questionnaires, 3) the unexpected police file case review, therefore, we are submitting a revised time frame. We have met with the company who will be responsible for the audio-visual production. We anticipate that by the end of March 1993, a draft script will be completed, and ready for your approval. We trust that this report will meet with your satisfaction. If you have any questions or ne,ed clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely yours, Project Committee
Core Planning Group
D. Ashton A. Brammer M. Carson Consultant L. Kartes
Re,searcher
M. Paton TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 - Bibliograpy Page 4
Section 2 - Review of Results from 'Education and Training Needs Questionnaire' Page 14
Section 3 - Outline of Training Package Page 49
Section 4 - Outline of 'Interagency Model' Page 52
Section 5 - Revised project work plan Page 53 4
An Education Program and Interagency Model for Police Officers on Elder Abuse and Neglect
Bibliography
Prepared by Project Committee 5 Bibliography
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3 Convergence
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I 13 Sengstock, Mary C., and Melanie Hwalek. "A Review and Analysis of Measures for the I Identfication of Elder Abuse", (1987) 10:3-4 Journal of Gerontological Social Work.
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I 14
I I I
I AN EDUCATION PROGRAM AND INTERAGENCY MODEL FOR POLICE OFFICERS I ON ELDER ABUSE AND NEGLECT
I
I REVIEW OF RESULTS FROM EDUCATION AND TRAINING NEEDS I QUESTIONNAIRES
I I PREPARED BY THE PROJECT COMMITTEE
I
I
I I I I I 15 METHODOLOGY
The Project Committee designed a questionnaire in order to determine the educational and training needs of police officers in the assessment and intervention of elder abuse; to assess the attitudes of police officers regarding their role in recognizing cases of elder abuse and to determine the types of resources/protocols which would assist them in intervening in cases of abuse.
PRE-TEST:
60 questionnaires were distributed to members of the Nepean Police Service for review. The questionnaire was then revised.
QUESTIONNAIRE DISTRIBUTION:
467 questionnaires were mailed to Chiefs of Police across the country. A letter of introduction from the Chief of Nepean Police Service was included. A return date of 4 weeks was requested. A sample of the questionnaire and letter of introduction are provided in Appendix A. The following Police Services were surveyed:
Fredericton Police Service Ville de Gatineau, Direction de la sécurité publique Vancouver Police Service Victoria Police Service Nepean Police Service Calgary Police Service Gloucester Police Service Ottawa Police Service Cobourg Police Service Niagara Regional Police Service 16
O.P.P. (Hawkesbury Detachment) O.P.P. (Long Sault Detachment) O.P.P. (Manotick Detachment) O.P.P. (Rockland Detachment) O.P.P. (Kanata Detachment) O.P.P. (Ottawa Detachment)
R.C.M.P. - Tafino, B.C. - Yorkton, SK - Langley, B.C. - Regina, SK - Prince George, B.C. - Gimli, MAN - Kelona, B.C. - Minnedosa, MAN - Surrey, B.C. - Thompson, MAN - Richmond, B.C. - Winnipeg, MAN - Burnaby, B.C. - Swan River, MAN - Mapleridge, B.C. - Brandon, MAN - Lethbridge, AB - Antigonish, NS - Fort McMurray, AB - Cole Harbour, NS - Stoney Plain, AB - Arichat, NS - St. Albert, AB - Charlottetown, PEI - Edmonton, AB - Alberton, PEI - North Battleford, SK - St. John's, NFLD - Saskatoon, SK - Maryston, NFLD - Lloydminster, SK - Gander, NFLD 17
QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSE RATE:
The response rate for the questionnaire was 76.6% It is noted that only one (1) completed questionnaire was returned from the Province of Québec. In view of this low response rate, the questionnaire has been translated into French and a second questionnaire survey will be conducted. The results will be analyzed and discussed in the next progress report. Necessary changes will be incorporated into the Education/Training package to reflect the Québec results. 18 METHOD OF ANALYSIS
The raw data compiled from the questionnaires was analyzed using the following statistical measures: i) mode ii) mean iii) frequency distribution
These terms are defined as follows: Mode is defined as the value that occurs most often or, equivalently, the point corresponding to the value with the highest frequency. Mean of a set of numbers is the sum of all values being considered divided by the total number of values in the set. Frequency Distribution is used to find out the mean of a large amount of data. This data is grouped into a frequency distribution. To find the mean of this population the following formula is used.
x (f/N) i=1 1 1
A. Introduction 01 02 03 04 05
1. The historical context of senior abuse 17 18 11 5 1
This formula is used to find the average response along this scale from 1-5. In this case the average shown was 2.139. This average was calculated by dividing each value shown by 52, eg. 17 divided by 52 (total number of completed questionnaires by a Police Service). When the result is obtained, the first value is multiplied by 1, the second by 2 and so on. eg . 17 (in the table) would be multiplied by 1, 18 (in the table) would be multiplied by 2. Once this is complete, the new values are added together, to arrive at the average response. The average response obtained is directly related to the scale of 1-5.
I Harnett, Donald L. Statistical Methods 3rd edition., 1982. I
1 19 I RESULTS AM) DISCUSSION The following findings are based on the data compiled from the questionnaires. For the sake I of simplicity, the police services which were evaluated have been divided into geographical I regions: West, Prairies, Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes. I SECTION A: INTRODUCTION I Four introductory questions were designed to evaluate the police officer's need for an overview of the problem of elder abuse. Police officers were asked to evaluate the importance of each I category rating them on a scale of 1-5.
I A. Introduction 01 02 03 04 05 National I average 1. The historical context of senior 2.59 I abuse I * Nationally, police officers did not see the historical context of elder abuse as I being very important. This category was rated 2.59 out of 5.
I * Western police services rated this category 2.72 out of 5, Prairie police services rated it 2.98 out of 5, Ontario police services rated it 2.49 out of 5, Quebec rated I it 2.0 out of 5 and the Maritimes rated this category the highest at 3.24 out of 5. I I I I I
I 20 I A. Introduction 01 02 03 04 05 National I average 2. Why police officers should be 3.78 I concerned about senior abuse I I * Elder abuse was seen by police officers as a concern. Nationally, this category was rated 3.78 out of 5. Broken down; Western police services rated this topic I 3.56 out of 5, Prairies rated it 3.93 out of 5, Ontario services rated it 3.74 out of 5, Quebec rated it a 4.0 out of 5 and the Maritimes rated it the highest at 4.35 I out of 5.
I A. Introduction 01 02 03 04 05 National I average 3. Explanation of physical abuse, 4.06 I psychological abuse, financial abuse and I neglect
I * Police officers felt that they needed information on the different types of abuse; physical abuse, psychological abuse, financial abuse and neglect. This I recognition of importance is reflected in the rating nationally of 4.06 out of 5. The West rated it 4.04 out of 5, the Prairies rated this topic 4.18 out of 5, I Ontario rated it 4.0 out of 5, Quebec rated it 4.0 out of 5 and the Maritimes rated I this category 4.49 out of 5. I I I
I 21 I A. Introduction 01 02 03 04 05 National I average 4. Possible offences under 4.22 I the Criminal Code for each I type of senior abuse I * Action taken by police officers is bound and guided by the Criminal Code of I Canada. Not surprisingly, police services found that knowing possible offences under the Criminal Code for each type of elder abuse was important. Nationally, I this topic was rated 4.22 out of 5. Western police services rated it at 3.935 our of 5 while the Prairies rated it 4.17 out of 5. Ontario rated it 4.22 out of 5, with I Quebec giving this topic 5 out of 5. Atlantic Canada also gave very high ratings of 4.5 out of 5 for this topic. I I I I I I I I I I
I 22
I SECTION B: GUIDELINES TO FACILITATE EFFECTIVE CASE ASSESSMENT AND I INTERVENTION The second set of topics were designed to evaluate the police officer's need to understand key I areas important to the appropriate assessment and intervention method used in a case of elder I abuse.
I B. Guidelines to Facilitate 01 02 03 04 05 National Effective Case Assessment average I and Intervention I 1. The aging process as it 3.31 affects the handling of senior I abuse cases I * Police officers found that understanding the aging process as it would affect the I handling of elder abuse cases was moderately important.
I * Nationally, this topic was rated 3.31 out of 5. Western police officers rated this category 3.36 out of 5, while the Prairies rated it 3.54 out of 5. Ontario rated I it 3.25 out of 5, while Quebec gave it 3.0 out of 5. The Maritimes also found I this topic moderately important to their work, giving it a rating of 3.82 out of 5. I I I I I
I 23 I B. Guidelines to Facilitate 01 02 03 04 05 National I Effective Case Assessment average and Intervention
1 2. Techniques of 4.01 I interviewing I * Key to the successful prosecution of a case is the strength of evidence gathered I during the course of an investigation. This evidence is often physical but it is also details gathered during the course of extensive interviews. Police I emphasized the ne,ed for proper guidance in interview techniques particular to the needs of senior citizens. This is reflected in the rating of 4.01 out of 5 given to I the topic of techniques of interviewing. Western police services rated this topic 3.89 out of 5, while the Prairie region rated it 4.105 out of 5. Ontario police I rated this topic 4.02 out of 5, while Quebec rated it 4.0 out of 5. The Maritimes I rated this topic the highest at 4.49 out of 5. I I I I I I I I
I 24
I SECTION C: CASE ASSESSNIENT
I The third set of topics were designed to evaluate the tools police officers felt were important to I case assessment.
I C. Case Assessment 01 02 03 04 05 National I average 1. Physical, behavioural 4.05 I and environmental signs of each type of senior abuse I
I * Police officers across the country need to recognize the physical, behavioural and environmental signs of each type of elder abuse. This awareness was shown in I the rating of 4.05 out of 5. Western police officers rated this category 3.845 out of 5, while the Prairies rated it 4.42 out of 5. Ontario rated it 4.04 out of 5 with I Quebe,c giving this topic a 4.0 out of 5. The Maritimes rated this topic 4.37 out I of 5. I C. Case Assessment 01 02 03 04 05 National average
I 2. Profile of the 3.84 offender and elderly I victim I I * Also key to case assessment is the profile of the offender and elderly victim. Nationally, police officers rated this 3.84 out of 5. Western services rated this I I
I 25
I topic 3.82 out of 5 with the Prairies giving it 4.175 out of 5. Ontario gave it 3.78, while I Quebec gave it 5 out of 5. The Maritimes rated this category 4.22 out of 5.
I C. Case 01 02 03 04 05 National I Assessment average 3. Problems in 3.62 I assessment I * Another component of case assessment are the problems police can encounter in I trying to evaluate abusive situations. This category was moderately important to police officers having been rated 3.62 out of 5. Western police services rated it I 3.51 out of 5 with the Prairies giving it 3.635 out of 5. Ontario gave this topic 3.56 out of 5, while Quebec gave it a 3.0 out of 5. The Maritimes rated this I category comparatively higher, with 4.19 out of 5. I I I I I I I I 26
SECTION D: INTERVENTION: FACTORS TO CONSIDER
When faced with a problem such as domestic violence and elder abuse, police officers need to know how to safely and properly intervene. This next section evaluates factors for police to consider when deciding on the appropriate method of intervention.
D. Intervention: 01 02 03 04 05 National Factors to Consider average
1. Contributing factors 3.46 to the abuse of seniors
When asked to evaluate the importance of contributing factors to the abuse of seniors, police officers found this topic to be moderately important. Nationally, police officers rated it 3.46 out of 5. Police officers in the Western region rated this topic 3.35 out of 5 with the Prairies rating it with 3.85 out of 5. Ontario rated 3.4, while Quebec and the Maritimes rated this topic 4.0 and 3.75 out of 5, respectively. I
I 27 I D. Intervention: Factors to 01 02 03 04 05 National I Consider average 2. Legislation apart from the 3.74 I Criminal Code which may be of relevance in senior abuse I cases I I * Often, police are faced with situations which do not fit neatly within the statutory provisions of the Criminal Code of Canada. In cases of elder abuse, there is I legislation apart from the Criminal Code which may be of relevance to a police officer when responding to a call of abuse involving a senior. Again, as with I other categories in this study, the results are varie.d. Nationally, police officers rated this category 3.74 out of 5. Western police rated it 3.88 out of 5, while I Prairie services rated it 4.025 out of 5. Ontario police officers rated this topic 3.78 out of 5, while Quebec and the Maritimes rated this category's importance I 3.0 and 4.06 out of 5, respectively. I I I I I I I I
I 28 I D. Intervention: 01 02 03 04 05 National I Factors to Consider average 3. Intervention options 4.15 I for police officers -(je. social service, legal, I community) I I * One of the key areas that police continually voice their concerns over, is the lack of information about intervention options available for police officers when I handling an occurrence. As expected, police officers rated this topic as very important. This is reflected in a national rating of 4.15 out of 5. Police in the I West rated it 4.34 out of 5, while the Prairies rated it 4.155 out of 5. Ontario police officers rated it 4.10 out of 5, while Quebec and the Maritimes rated this I topic 5 and 4.6 out of 5, respectively.
I D. Intervention: 01 02 03 04 05 National I Factors to Consider average 4. Problems in 3.53 I intervention I * When asked to evaluate the importance of problems in intervention as a factor to I consider, police officers rated this topic moderately with 3.53 out of 5. Police officers in Western police services rated this topic 3.18 out of 5, with the Prairie I region rating this topic 3.81 out of 5. Ontario rated it 3.47 out of 5, while I Quebec rated this topic 3.0 and the Maritimes 4.29 out of 5. I I
I 29 I SECTION E: PROTOCOLS FOR POLICE INTERVENTION IN SENIOR ABUSE CASES This section was designed to evaluate the importance of a protocol for police intervention in I elder abuse cases. I E. Protocols for Police 01 02 03 04 05 National Intervention in Senior average I Abuse Cases I 3.72 I * Nationally, police officers rated this category moderately with 3.72 out of 5. The I Western region rated it 3.50 out 5. The Prairies region rated this topic 3.885 out of 5, with Ontario rating this 3.70 out of 5. Quebec rated it higher at 4 out of I 5, with the Maritimes rating this topic the highest at 4.34.
I SECTION F: RESOURCE MATERIAL FOR POLICE TRAINING
I This section was designed to evaluate the need by police officers for resource material for police training.
I F. Resource Material 01 02 03 04 05 National I for Police Training average I 3.96
I * As expected, this category was important for police officers. Nationally, this category was rated 3.96 out of 5. Police services in the Western region rated this I topic 3.90 out of 5, with the Prairies rating it 4.375 out of 5. Ontario rated it 3.91 out of 5, with Quebec and the Maritimes rating this category 5 and 4.405 I out of 5, respectively. I 30 Police officers were asked if there was any specific information that, as police officer, they wanted to be certain was included in the training package; the comments were varied. For the purpose of discussion, these comments have been organized under the following headings: Training and Education, and Interagency Model and Protocol.
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
* Police Services lack training and information about elder abuse and the appropriate methods of intervention and assessment.
* Some police services stated that they were not familiar enough with the topic of elder abuse and need all information possible.
* Several police services identified that they did not have the training or resources available to them to effectively help seniors in ne,ed of protection and assistance.
* Police Services identified the importance of incorporating education on elder abuse into their in-service training courses.
* Police Services stressed the ne,ed for information on how they can educate themselves and elders on a pro-active basis to prevent the abuse from ever occurring.
* Police Services want specialized training about elder abuse.
* Police Services emphasized the need for them to be concerned about elder abuse.
* Police Services acknowledged the importance of being able to recognize the signs of abuse. 31 • Police Services emphasized that a strong education and training program on elder abuse would have to stress the following: i) explanation of physical abuse, psychological abuse, financial abuse and neglect ii) possible offenses under the Criminal Code iii) techniques of interviewing iv) signs of each type of elder abuse v) profile of the offender and elderly victim vi) intervention options for police officers (je. social service, legal, community) vii) legislation apart from the Criminal Code which may be of relevance in elder abuse cases viii) resource material for police training
• Training resources are limited.
• Police Services want the use of case scenarios and case specific studies to motivate both members of the service and the public during training presentations.
• Training should incorporate sensitivity sessions to the needs and proper way to interact with the elderly especially when preparing the victim for court.
• Training information must provide a concise list of resources and contact names available to police for referrals to community agencies, such as housing, emergency shelters.
• Training should also provide statistics showing how widespread the problem of elder abuse is and a comparison of reporting and occurrence rates in order to identify the reasons underlying elders' reluctance to report. These statistics should also include demographic statistics to show current and projected numbers of the aging population. 32 * Several police services emphasized that an education program for police must do the following: a) shatter the myth that elder abuse is not a problem and that it really isn't going on in our communities b) shatter the conception that it is not a problem for police to deal with, that it is someone else's problem c) that police officers must be shown how they can make a difference within their present police structure and as part of the mandate for pro-active, problem oriented community policing.
* Given the multi-ethnic makeup of Canada, police services and the communities that they service, information on elder abuse should be made available in several languages other than English and French.
* Key to the successful prosecution of a case in court is the strength of evidence. In cases of elder abuse, given the many difficulties police officers may encounter, police officers need to know what type of viable evidence can be gathere,d which may assist the case.
* Police Services identified that in addition to police members requiring information, seniors themselves should be the targets of some ldnd of joint educational program, explaining to them that abuse is a crime and encouraging them to report abuse to the police or other social services. Such a collaborative effort between police and seniors would go far to improve and strengthen the police role as friend, helper and protector.
* Several police services expressed the need for training on how to handle cases of abuse in the institutional setting. Although noted as a very important component of the maltreatment of seniors, this education programme excludes this aspect of abuse and rather seeks to concentrate on the domestic abuse of seniors by family, 33 friends, neighbours or caregivers. Abuse in institutions should be the focus of further work.
INTERAGENCY MODEL AND PROTOCOL
* Police Services identified a lack of coordination and cooperation between police and community and social services, ie. financial institutions and hospitals etc..
* Some police officers noted that whatever program is developed, they want this program to be fully functional and thoroughly explained prior to requesting referrals from police. If not, after the first bad experience, the members of police services will likely ignore it.
* Police identified the need to be aware of their legal obligations and opportunities to take action, where there are no reasonable and probable grounds to arrest but police feel some action is warranted. Police also need to be aware of the legal aspects pertaining to the referral of elder abuse cases where the victim is not complaining. Police want to be aware of their own police services' policy regarding elder abuse and possible actions they might take.
* Police services stated that if a protocol were to be developed, it should have well defined parameters and steps of intervention.
* Police identified that seniors are reluctant to report incidents of abuse for fear of reprisals. The interagency model should therefore have a component whereby some form of monitoring and follow-up is given to the senior after police initial involvement as a preventative measure. I
1 34 * Police identified the need for an immediate service that offers assistance/ I counselling similar to what is available in domestic violence situations involving husbands and wives. Police believe that it is necessary that this service be an I emergency response, offering immediate assistance, able to recognize, assess and direct police and other agencies to assist. Several police services identified that I it was important that referral agencies were identified with the ability to contact I some,one 24 hours a day.
* Several police services identified the need to have access to medical histories of I seniors je. previous visits to hospital, mental health, medication etc.. This would I assist police in their assessment and investigation of the incident(s). I * Police services expressed the need to be educated on substance abuse within the elderly population. This would address signs of substance abuse, the types of I medication commonly prescribed and the effects of such drugs. I INTERAGENCY CONSULTATION SERVICE I This next section was designed to evaluate whether police officers would find an inter-agency consultation service helpful to their work. I 2. Consultation 01 02 03 04 05 National I Service average
I 3.99 I * Nationally, police services rated this service 3.99 out of 5. Western regions rated I this 3.90 out of 5, while the Prairies region rated this service 4.375 out of 5. Ontario police officers rated this 4.1 out of 5, with Quebec and the Maritimes I rating the inter-agency service 5 and 3.70 out of 5, respectively. I 35 SENIOR ABUSE: ROLE OF POLICE (Question 3- Questionnaire)
The results of the questionnaire clearly illustrate the ongoing debate and even the conflict between traditional crime control-reactive policing and the new community/social/pro-active philosophies. The general consensus was that police officers do have a role to play in cases of domestic violence involving seniors. The extent of that concern and involvement is the question that police officers have difficulty answering.
The following will illustrate the differing opinions about the role of police in cases of elder abuse.
PROACTIVE
"We are usually the first to respond and we need the information and know how as to who we can refer these senior citizens". (Ville de Gatineau)
"As counsellors to the seniors and as investigators to combat this abuse." (Niagara Regional Police Service)
"Prevention." (Niagara Regional Police Service)
"Where seniors are being abused and there are no charges, it would be good for officers to refer these cases to other agencies to look over these cases." (Ottawa Police Service)
"In cases of criminal charges, to refer seniors to the proper agencies for counselling or to get the necessary needs for their health and proper living conditions without abuse they have endured." (Ottawa Police Service)
"Once senior abuse is detected- prosecution of offenders and rehabilitation of the victim is essential through interagency cooperation and the services it would provide for the senior." (Nepean Police Service) 36
"Police officers are often the first level of authority to deal with abuse cases and their reception by police will determine how far the victim is willing to pursue the matter." (Nepean Police Service)
"We're in a good position to identify abused seniors and provide for them the resource people available." (OPP Hawkesbury)
"Police should be aware of abuse situations and be able to recognize them-same as seniors turn us for assistance regularly." (OPP Long Sault) to
"Enforcement and protection of seniors is an important issue in an aging population." (OPP Manotick)
"If they (police) have the proper knowledge of the signs to look for. They can get the appropriate agency involved without putting the victim on the spot." (Vancouver Police Service)
"We see it but are presently incident driven rather than seeing the real dynamics at play. This is why I feel many departments do not have any records showing the scope of the problem." (Victoria Police Service)
" Like child abuse, it is a very difficult area to recognize and understand for police officers, yet, it is a very important area for us due to its impact upon victims". (Vancouver Police Service)
"The elderly are often the victims of failing memory. This causes a lot of frustration with family members and caregivers can get away with unethical practices. Police officers need to learn to learn and understand to be patient with the elderly and that they have an important role in the system. It is not just a social worker problem." (Vancouver Police Service) 37
"I feel and this a personal opinion that some, not all, police officers do not make a concerted effort to investigate these types of complaints. Whenever this happens, usually the complainant will notice and eventually withdraw their complaint. These elderly persons are humans as well and should be treated properly by any police, regardless of their state of mind or what. They have a concern and should be treated with respect." (Thompson Man RCMP)
REACTIVE
"Enforcement of the Criminal Code of Canada for the protection of seniors." (Niagara Regional Police)
"As far as assaults against seniors, neglect and financial theft but not with regards to mental abuse." (Niagara Regional Police)
"Criminal investigations only." (Niagara Regional Police Service)
"Police officers should be involved in investigation and prosecution of physical abuse. The other abuses should be directed to other involved agencies." (Cobourg Police Service)
"Yes, only when there are criminal aspects involved, the officers should be cautious outside that area, we are not social workers." (Nepean Police Service)
"Only in the context of criminal case issues. We are not social workers and road and CID officers ne,ed practical police procedures and a link to social agencies who can specialize." (Nepean Police Service)
"The criminality of neglect etc..is to vague as the law stands. Physical abuse falls under assault sections. It is a non-issue if criminal offence is present." (Ottawa Police Service) 38 "Social problem created by lack of government aid to seniors. Police should be involved only where a criminal offence takes place." (Ottawa Police Service)
"Police have a very minor role- detection would mostly come from doctors, caregivers, relatives etc.. Police should investigate all allegations." (Nepean Police Service)
"In investigating and prosecuting incidents that fall within the parameters currently assigned the policing function. The current lack of social agency resources should not be confused with police complacency or inaction." (Nepean Police Service)
"Shrinldng manpower to budgets dictate that many current programs will have to be dropped. New ones (programmes) will be met with negative reactions." (R.C.M.P. Prince George B.C.)
"Only as it pertains to criminal abuse. We have not the resources to get into emotional and psychological abuse." (R.C.M.P. Surrey B.C.)
EXTENT OF POLICE INVOLVEMENT IN CASES OF ELDER ABUSE (Question 4 - Questionnaire)
This section was designed to evaluate the extent to which police officers had been involved in cases of elder abuse. (Question 4a - Questionnaire)
* Nationally, 171 out of 356 police officers responded that they had been involved in cases of elder abuse. 283 out of 356 responded that they had not. In the Prairie region, 19 out of 31 police officers responded that they had been involved in cases of elder abuse, while 11 had not. In the Western region, 29 out of 78 police officers had been involved in cases of elder abuse, while 49 out of 78 officers had not. 69 officers in Ontario out of 218 had been involved in cases of elder abuse, while 149 out of 218 had not. 1 officer in Quebec responded that he had been involved in cases of elder abuse and in the Maritimes, 13 out of 31 had been involved in cases of elder abuse, while 16 had not. I
I 39
I * Nationally, police officers responded to an average of 2.24 cases during the last year. Regionally, officers in the West responded to an average of 2.33 cases; in I the Prairies, officers responded to an average of 2.6 cases; in Ontario, police responded to an average of 2.39 cases, while in Quebec, there were no recorded I cases having been dealt with in the last year. Officers in the Maritimes responded to an average of 2.6 cases during the last year. (Question 4b - I Questionnaire)
I The following table shows the number of cases police officers were involved with, sorted by I type of elder abuse. (Question 4c - Questionnaire) I PSYCHOLOGICAL FINANCIAL PHYSICAL NEGLECT I NATIONAL 49 76 77 77 WEST 11 15 19 22
I PRAIRIES 5 12 11 11 I ONTARIO 28 37 42 34 I QUEBEC - 1 1 - MARITIMES 5 12 5 10 I
I NATURE OF INVOLVEMENT IN ELDER ABUSE CASES (Question 4d - Questionnaire)
I The majority of police officers responded that they were involved in cases of elder abuse in the capacity of first response officer and/or investigator and provider of information. Some I examples of cases that police officers became involved with are as follows: I I 40 "Request for investigation by social services. No provable offence but victim placed in personal care facility". (RCMP)
"Homeless senior taken in by family. Financial and physical abuse resulted. Investigated both aspects of abuse". (RCMP)
"Observed during other investigations and in most cases neither the senior or abuser would admit to anything. Tre,ated as a social problem and left for family and social services to resolve." (RCMP)
"I have as part of the crime prevention section given safety talks to seniors to help educate them on how not to be a victim". (RCMP)
"Responding to a neighbour's call. Assessing the situation and notifying the appropriate agency to assist and deal with the needs of the victim." (Antigonish NS, RCMP)
"As a source of information from social agency on legal steps that the police could and could not take and as a response agency, identifying the neglect and participating in the referral to the appropriate social service agency." (Charlottetown PET, RCMP)
"As a community station officer, I was called by neighbours over concerns. In another, I assisted the Victoria Elder Abuse project coordinator with case intervention and counselling". (Victoria Police Service)
"As it can be a subtle type of abuse in many cases and usually the victim is unwilling to disclose, my involvement in the few cases, I have come across has been superficial at best." (Vancouver Police Service)
"Usually, I found these people in the general course of my duties and recognized that there was a problem. I can recall only one instance where it was the result of a dispatched call." (Vancouver Police Service) I
I 41 "I saw it at sudden deaths. No food in the place, dirty clothes and bed. No one finds the body I for days." (Vancouver Police Service)
I "Working team 3, you do see the elderly skid row people, who are being financially and I physically abused. They are also financially neglected." (Vancouver Police Service) I "Made observations and assessments while attending unrelated calls". (Vancouver Police Service) "A woman in her '80s was seriously assaulted by her daughter. The hospital staff called the I police but the victim refused to cooperate. The victim was living with her family." (Vancouver I Police Service) I "Providing advice to concerned friends of an elderly lady who they felt was being victimized by a neighbour." (Niagara Regional Police) I "As investigating officer in an assault case where the senior was assaulted for cutting off I financial help to a family member." (OPP Manotick Det.) I The following table shows police officer's involvement in suspected cases of elder abuse. (Question 4e - Questionnaire)
I AVERAGE CASES I YES NO INVOLVED WITH NATIONAL 105 216 5.59
1 WEST 27 50 9 I PRAIRIES 18 11 5.1 I ONTARIO 60 138 3.64 QUEBEC 1 - -
I MARITIMES 13 17 3.2 I 42
CLOSING REMARKS
The results of the education and training needs questionnaires will have a positive impact on the development and implementation of a useful and effective training and education package to be used by police training facilities.
************************************************ 43
APPENDIX A
Dear Sir,
The Nepean Police Service, together with the Solicitor General of Canada is assessing the development of a special project, which is targeted at Police education and training in dealing with Senior Abuse.
This project has community involvement, in which the Queensway Carleton Hospital will participate in developing protocols and a teaching package for police officers.
In addition, the project is endeavouring to develop a community response team, which would involve staff members of the hospital and members of a police service.
The Solicitor General has suggested that the initial research be conducted with the cooperation of the Police Services across Canada.
I am therefore asking you to particpate in answering a needs assessment questionnaire, which addresses all the issues already mentioned.
Your cooperation in completing the questionnaire as quickly as possible would ensure the project's early implementation. When the first stage is completed, the second stage of developing of protocols and the education program would then proceed.
The final stage, is to 'Pilot' the project and the Solicitor General has suggested that the Ottawa-Carleton Police Services should be asked to participate. At this stage, a complete evaluation of the project will be made before it is distributed to all Canadian Police Services and Teaching Academies. 44 The Solicitor General considers programs in dealing with issues of senior abuse a high priority and views this project as an important step in developing ways in which the Police Services across Canada can benefit the community in dealing with issues of senior abuse more effectively.
I will look forward to your response in this matter and hope that we can work together in maldng this project an outstanding success.
Yours sincerely,
Wayne Phillips, B.A. Chief of Police 45 QUESTIONNAIRE
"An Education Program and Interagency Model for Police Officers on Elder Abuse and Neglect"
Introductory Statement
Police Officers act as advocates and protectors of the community. Considering this role in the context of an aging population, a police officer must be able to recognize the signs of elder abuse and neglect and have strategies in place for intervention. This Federal Government project is designed to assist Police Officers in these roles.
Project explanation
Funding from the Solicitor General of Canada and Health & Welfare Canada is presently enabling the Nepean Police Service and the Queensway-Carleton Hospital to collaborate with other Police Services, across Canada, on a multi-faceted elder abuse project which will have implications nationwide. This will include the development of a training/instruction package for police officers and management; an interagency, elder abuse consultation team based at Queensway-Carleton Hospital; and senior abuse protocols for police intervention.
This project deals specifically with elders who are abused by informal caregivers (eg. family, friends, and neighbours). For this project, elders are defined as persons 60 years and older. The four types of Elder Abuse being addressed are: Physical Abuse, Psychological Abuse, Financial Abuse and Neglect.
The attached questionnaire has been designed to gather information from Police Officers across Canada in order to develop effective and useful training material to assist officers in dealing with the difficult and increasing problem of elder abuse.
The questionnaire will take approximately five minutes to complete. We thank you for your cooperation.
Project Coordinating Committee. 46 QUESTIONNAIRE
1. The following topics are being considered for inclusion in the written training/instruction package for police officers:
Ple,ase review the topics below and indicate their relative importance in terms of your learning needs, rating them on a scale from 01-05.
Least Important Most Important A. Introduction 01 02 03 04 05 1. The historical context of senior abuse 2. Why police officers should be concerned about senior abuse 3. Explanation of physical abuse, psychological abuse, financial abuse and neglect 4. Possible offences under the Criminal Code for each type of senior abuse
Least Important Most Important B. Guidelines to Facilitate Effective 01 02 03 04 05 Case Assessment and Intervention 1. The aging process as it affects the handling of senior abuse cases 2. Techniques of interviewing
Least Important Most Important C. Case Assessment 01 02 03 04 05 1. Physical, behavioural and environmental signs of each type of senior abuse 2. Profile of the offender and elderly victim 3. Problems in assessment I 47 I Least Important Most Important D. Intervention: Factors to Consider 01 02 03 04 05 1. Contributing factors to the abuse of I seniors 2. Legislation apart from the Criminal I Code which may be of relevance in senior abuse cases I 3. Intervention options for police officers - (ie. social service, legal, I community) 4. Problems in intervention I Least Important Most Important I E. Protocols for Police Intervention in 01 02 03 04 05 Senior Abuse Cases I
I Least Important Most Important F. Resource Material for Police 01 02 03 04 05 I Training I Is there specific information that you, as a police officer, want to be certain is included I in the above sections? I
I Are there additional topics which you believe should be included? I _Yes _ No I Please comment: I I 48 2. The interagency senior abuse consultation team being proposed will link police services, hospitals and other important agencies in the management of senior abuse. Please indicate with an "X" on the below scale, how helpful access to such a team would be to you.
Least Helpful Most Helpful 01 02 03 04 05
3. Do you believe that police officers have a role to play in cases of senior abuse? Yes No
Please comment:
4. a) As a police officer, have you ever been involved in a case(s) of senior abuse? Yes No
b) If so, how many cases have you been involved in during the last year?
c) Please check the types of senior abuse you have been involved with. psychological abuse financial abuse physical abuse
neglect
d) 'What has been the nature of your involvement?
e) As a police officer, have you ever been involved in a case(s) where you suspected senior abuse was involved?
_Yes No If "Yes", how many? please comment: 49
AN EDUCATION PROGRAM AND INTERAGENCY MODEL FOR POLICE OFFICERS ON ELDER ABUSE AND NEGLECT
TRAINING PACKAGE 50
OUTLINE
PART A: AN INTRODUCTION TO ELDER ABUSE AND NEGLECT
1. WHAT IS ELDER ABUSE?
2. TYPES OF ELDER ABUSE
3. POSSIBLE OFFENCES UNDER THE CRIMINAL CODE OF CANADA
4. A PROFILE OF VICTIM AND ABUSER
5. WHY IS ELDER ABUSE A "HIDDEN CRIME"?
6. WHY SHOULD THE POLICE BE CONCERNED?
PART B: ATTITUDES MODULE
7. WHAT ARE YOUR ATTITUDES AND FEELINGS ABOUT THE ELDERLY?
8. WHAT ARE YOUR ATTITUDES AND FEELINGS ABOUT CASES OF ELDER ABUSE AND NEGLECT?
PART C: ROLE OF POLICE IN ELDER ABUSE/NEGLECT
9. WHAT ARE THE KEY ROLES POLICE PLAY IN CASES OF ELDER ABUSE AND NEGLECT?
10. ASSESSMENT
A) THE AGING PROCESS AND ITS IMPACT ON POLICE/ELDERLY INTERACTIONS
B) SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES REQUIRED IN ASSESSMENT AND INTERVENTION
C) INDICATORS OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT
D) PROBLEMS IN IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT 51
11. INTERVENTION
A) GENERAL GUIDELINES
B) FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN DETERMINING INTERVENTION STRATEGIES
• SEVERITY OF SITUATION • CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO ABUSE AND NEGLECT • LEGISLATION RELEVANT TO ELDER ABUSE/NEGLECT CASES • COMPETENCY OF VICTIM • INTERVENTION HISTORY • RECEPTIVITY OF VICTIMS AND OR OFFENDERS TO INTERVENTION
C) INTERVENTION OPTIONS
D) PROBLEMS IN INTERVENTION
PART D: REFERRAL AND SUPPORT AGENCIES
PART E: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE INTERAGENCY MODEL
12. RATIONALE
13. COMPOSITION AND COORDINATION OF INTERAGENCY TEAM
14. ROLE
PART F: PROTOCOL FOR POLICE INTERVENTION IN ELDER ABUSE AND NEGLECT
PART G: RESOURCE MATERIAL FOR POLICE TRAINING
PART H: EVALUATION SURVEY I 52 y
I OUTLINE OF INTERAGENCY CONSULTATION SERVICE MODEL (DRAFT) I I Problem Core Team (1VIeets every two months plus Ad Hoc meetings) 1. Geriatrician 2. Social Worker I 3. Mental Health Registered Nurse 4. Police Representative I 5. Legal (Option)
Problem/ Formal Linkage I Solution Child Abuse and Family Violence Committee (an existing Hospital Committee) The following resources will be added to the Committee to include the elder abuse I component: I1. Geriatric Outreach worker 2. Cultural Interpreter/Representative 3. Pastoral Care Worker I Solution Informal Linkage (Resources Used) I Twice yearly report sent from Core Team Home Care Housing (PCS) I One Voice (national) Council on Aging I Other I I I I I I 53 The target group will include all seniors exposed to abuse, including individuals from various cultural backgrounds including native groups.
For this project Seniors are defined as persons 60 years and older. However, we acicnowledge that different cultures identify the age of being a Senior differently, in particular, native cultures might consider the age limit as lower. Included in the target group are women and men.
PROTECT WORK PLAN
OBJECTIVE TASK T11VW FRAIVIE
Number 1: Develop questionnaire for police Aug To identify the officers regarding educational 1992 education and needs in the assessment and (completed) training needs of management of senior abuse. Police Officers.
Have review of questionnaire completed Aug by outside reviewer - University of 1992 Ottawa researcher. N/A Pretest questionnaire with I Nepean Police Officers Aug } Restructure problem areas of 1992 } Questionnaire (completed)
Distribute questionnaire to: Sept 1992 * Nepean Police Service (completed) * Gloucester Police Service * Ottawa Police Service * Ontario Provincial Police Service * RCMP * The Victims Committee of the CACP
Review & analyze results of Sept completed Questionnaire. 1992 (completed) 54
OBJECTIVE TASK TIME FRA1VIE
Number 2: To meet with representatives of relevant Sept-Oct To establish agencies serving seniors, e.g. 1992 multidiscip- Home Care, VON, Outreach, to develop REVISED lainary & and formalize the consultation Nov-Oct interagency service. Senior Abuse Consultation Team.
Number 3: Literature review (police related) Sept and review project on senior abuse 1992 (Ontario Network for the Prevention (completed) of Elder Abuse)
To provide a written Develop education/training package instruction for Police Officers and Police Sept-Dec package. Management. 1992 REVISED Feb-28 1993
Number 4: Develop draft intervention protocol for Oct-Nov To develop an Police Officers on Senior Abuse. 1992 intervention REVISED protocol. Mar 31 1993
Meet with a representative of each Police Nov Service as indentified in Ojective #1 1992 REVISED Feb 1993
Number 5: Develop Script Jan-April To develop a Production of Video 1993 15-20 minute REVISED audio visual Mar-June presentation. 1993 55 OBJECTIVE TASK TI1VLE FRAIVIE (Refer to Statement of Objectives)
Number 6: Develop a marketing brochure on the Jan-Feb To market the education/training package. 1993 program. Develop a community awareness brochure REVISED describing the intervention model. April -June 1993
Number 7: Mail out brochure to Police Services and March community agencies across Canada: 1993 REVISED Aug 1993
Advertise: March 1993 1) Police Gazette REVISED 2) Canadian Association of Chiefs Aug of Police Publication 1993 3) Presentation at 1993 Victim's Assistance Conference 4) Presentation at "Second National Conference on Elder Abuse & Crime". 5) National Advisory Council on Aging 6) National Association of the V.O.N 7) Vis-a-Vis 8) National Clearing House
Number 8: Progress Reports will be sent to Ministries To evaluate the of Solicitor General and Health and Welfare various project as required. components. Develop questionnaire to evaluate the Apr-May effectiveness of the video and training 1993 package. This questionnaire will be REVISED geared to Police Officers undergoing Aug training. 1993
Administer and analyze the completed June questionnaires following the implementation 1993 of the education/training sessions. REVISED Oct-Dec 1993 (Cont'd) 56 Develop a satisfaction survey for clients of the service. Develop a satisfaction question- naire for Police Officers using the intervention protocol and interagency consultation service. Ongoing Analyze the completed questionnaires and revise program if evaluation is necessary.
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HV 8079 .225 E25 1993 An education program and in teragency model for police ■ officers on elder abuse and
DATE DUE u_alt
PRWM M U.S.A. GAYLORD