Recognizing elder abuse

Law enforcement training for elder abuse, such as financial exploitation, starts March 25.

UTICA, N.Y. >> The Oneida County Office for the Aging & Continuing Care will be hosting a law enforcement training series for identifying and investigating the financial exploitation of senior citizens.

The New York State Committee for the Coordination of Police Services to Elderly Persons, in conjunction with the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and Lifespan of Greater Rochester will be presenting the one-day training on March 25 at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica.

“The financial exploitation of seniors is something that occurs far too often in Oneida County,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “I commend OFACC Director Mike Romano for bringing in this valuable training to address this abuse and neglect of some of our most vulnerable citizens. I’m certain this collaboration with law enforcement members, DCJS and LifeSpan will help combat this serious problemand strengthen the ongoing efforts to stem the victimization of our community’s elderly residents.”

The training event is part of an initiative to support law enforcement’s ability to deal with financial abuse of elders and is part of a statewide series of trainings. It is designed to assist patrol officers and investigators in identifying and addressing the signs of financial exploitation and to provide them with the tools to assist with the investigation. Training certification will be provided to par- ticipating officers by DCJS.

The training will be broken into two sessions: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Themorning session will focus on a general overview of financial exploitation of older adults, with signs and indicators, while the afternoon session will focus on investigative aspects of financial exploitation cases. Topics will include interviewing strategies, victim capacity, power of attorney and penal law. All interested parties have the option to attend either the morning or afternoon session or the full day.

“Lifespan is thrilled to support and partner with the Oneida County Office for the Aging & Continuing Care for this important training,” said Ann Marie Cook, President/ CEO of Lifespan of Greater Rochester. “We know that elder mistreatment and financial exploitation thrives in silence and secrecy. We always see two problems: people do not think that elder abuse exists in their community and they do not knowthe signs of elder abuse. As a result of this training, we are hopeful that the participants will be better prepared to recognize, investigate, and assist victims of elder abuse. Our ultimate goal is to help older adults in New York State live fulfilling lives free of abuse and exploitation.”

Pre-registration is required. All interested parties must register one week prior to the course.

For more information, contact Alison Floyd by email at Alison.Floyd@dcjs.ny.gov.