Abuse & Neglect of Vulnerable Persons: A Law Enforcement Perspective

1. Abuse & Neglect of Vulnerable Persons: A Law Enforcement Perspective PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU OCSCO Elder Abuse Symposium June 11, 2013

2. Why the concern about “vulnerable persons?” • demographics • life style choices • effects of abuse & neglect • overlooked family violence victim • community - based policing PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

3. Elder abuse • harm caused to a person over the age of 65 yrs by some one in a position of trust or authorityTPS PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

4. Trust & authority: power & control • abuse/violence is used to intimidate, humiliate, coerce, frighten or simply, make the victim feel powerless PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

5. Legislation • Criminal Code of Canada • Homes for Special Care Act • Substitute Decisions Act • Health Care Consent Act • Mental Health Act • Residential Tenancies Act • Coroner’s Act • Developmental Services Act • Long-Term Care Homes • *Retirement Homes Act (RTA still applies) PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

6. Criminal Code: financial crimes • theft • theft by person holding power of attorney • destroying documents of title • credit card offences • fraud/false pretences/forgery • false statement in writing • breach of trust PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

7. Criminal Code: psychological crimes • invasion of privacy • criminal harassment • indecent/harassing telephone calls • uttering threats • intimidation PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

8. Criminal Code:physical crimes • assault (with weapon) • sexual assault (with weapon) • sexual exploitation of persons with a disability • poison • kidnapping/forcible confinement • torture • murder/manslaughter PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

9. Criminal Code:neglect crimes • failing to provide the necessaries of life • death/bodily harm by criminal negligence PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

10. Substitute Decisions Act Capacity: • ability to (1) understand relevant information & (2) appreciate the reasonably foreseeable consequences of making or not making a decision (as it pertains to property or personal care decisions) PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

11. Incapable person • a person incapable of managing their day to day affairs, thus making them vulnerable to abuse TPS PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

12. Why do ‘victims’ of elder abuse fail to report? • many older adults: • minimize the abuse… • rationalize the abuse… • deny the abuse… • are resigned to the abuse… • do not recognize it as abuse… • are unable/unwilling to report the abuse… • have no one to advocate on their behalf… • the best victim is one who cannot speak or, one who will not be believed… PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

13. Calls for police service:general information • exact location & address history • caller identity & status • nature of incident • need for EMS (ambulance) • suspect information • weapons • children present • court orders PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

14. Calls for police service: Communications Centre AT & T Language Line Service: • interpreting assistance line • no limit to languages • primarily 9-1-1 calls • conference calls to determine situation PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

15. Calls for police service: at scene Multilingual Community Interpreter Service (MCIS): • specifically directed at victims of domestic violence & elder abuse, not accused persons • MCIS usually instituted by officer o/s • 450+ interpreters – 96 languages PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

16. Calls for police service:general information • all calls attended in person by officer • consideration/accommodation for special needs • report submitted • TPS procedure: Abuse of Elderly or Vulnerable Persons, etc. • criminal or civil matter? (appropriate follow-up) PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

17. Calls for police service:general information • emergency call (police, fire, EMS): investigation/report • non - emergency call: investigation/report or provide information/referral • TPS procedures: CCC arrest, MHA apprehension, report, referral, follow-up… PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

18. Calls for police service:general information • CIB: investigative follow-up • CRO or CPO visit/follow-up/meeting • DPSU: resource/referral, staff presentation, committee, initiative or meeting… PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

19. Charge policy • Domestic Violence: (mandatory) • Abuse & Neglect of Older/Vulnerable Persons: (procedural) • police will lay charges where there are “reasonable grounds” to believe that an offence was committed PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

20. Police responsibility to victim • criminal matter: keep the victim updated regarding case status, charges, arrests, court dates, release conditions… • if required to testify, explain criminal court process & offer appropriate court preparation • make certain victim has police contact info • if the victim is “at risk,” ensure community supports are in place, safety plan PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

21. Duties of police • investigation/enforcement • education/empowerment • increase awareness of resources • provide access to network of social services & community agencies • *response: criminal or civil PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

22. Calls for police service:general information • Who: Communications Centre, specialized unit, local division or individual officer • When: to report (suspected) criminal matter or suspicious/unusual occurrence or, need answer to question or, discuss concern or pressing issue • Why: to advise, for information or clarification • How: emergency 911, non- emergency (416) 808-2222 or direct # PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

23. What do victims of elder abuse need? • the abuser to stop the violence, exploitation, or neglect • safety, shelter & access to financial resources • home support services so they are not dependent on the abuser or, housing options to meet their needsCLEO PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

24. What do victims of elder abuse need? • emotional support, counselling & greater links to the community • information about the law & the criminal justice system, especially about what is likely to happen to their abuser if it is a family member CLEO PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

25. Possible interventions • education • safety plans • home visits • in-depth assessment/interview • co-ordination with other services • contact with other family & friends • arrest & charge (police) PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

26. Community role • education/empowerment • increase awareness & availability of resources • legal responsibility/ethical obligation • no excuse not to do the right thing… PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

27. Community role • Domestic Violence IS a crime & is preventable • Elder Abuse mayNOT always be a CRIME: nonetheless, it is morally reprehensible & its effects, devastating PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

28. Course of action? Guiding principle: “Aging with dignity, honour and respect.” Arlene Groh PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

29. So, remember… • abuse is not ok • abuse is not normal • something can be done to stop abuse • help is available • planning ahead can prevent abuse Preventing Abuse of Older People PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

30. From incident to arrest investigation of a criminal offence: • MCIS (Multicultural Interpreter Services), if language is an issue • ‘abuser’ is taken to police station for further investigation • ‘victim’ may be asked for a video taped statement of the incident (will be asked to attend station) • severity of the offence determines if the “accused” is released with “conditions” from the police station or held until next day for court PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

31. What happens next? • if released with conditions, offender MUSTobey them • with any breaches of these conditions the offender is arrested again & is NOT released • this charge is more serious than the original offence • the offender must have a lawyer to represent them in court PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

32. At court • crown attorney will direct questions to the victim & other witnesses • defence lawyer will ask questions of the victim & witnesses • defence may apply for victim’s records & use these to discredit victim • offender may try to use excuses at trial (i.e. drunk, provoked, self-defence, etc.) • judge will decide on the outcome & decide appropriate punishment (sentence) PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

33. Sentencing • depends on seriousness of offence or if s/he has a previous criminal record • may get a “discharge” with or without conditions • If convicted: pay a fine, jail time, suspended with specific conditions, house arrest, restitution (pay back victim costs) • could include probation for 1 yr. with conditions (i.e. no alcohol, no contact, no weapons) PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

34. Community resources • Victim Support Line #(416) 314-2447 • “211” Community Information Line • Advocacy Centre for the Elderly (ACE) # (416) 598-2656 • Office of the Public Guardian & Trustee (OPGT) #(416) 327-6348 • Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (ONPEA) #(416) 916-6728 PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

35. Community resources • Seniors’ Safety Line #1-866-299-1011 • Senior Crime Stoppers #(416) 222-TIPS (8477) • Services for Seniors #1-877-540-6565 • Seniors Crisis Access Line (SCAL) (age-related mental health & addictions crises) #(416) 619-5001 • Victim Services Toronto #(416) 808-7066 • Victim Services Program #(416) 808-7066 PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

36. TPS resources • Emergency #911 • Non-Emergency #(416) 808-2222 • Vulnerable Persons Co-ord. #(416) 808-7040 http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/community/ PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

37. A final thought “How far you go in life depends on your being tender with young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of those who are weaker than you - because someday, you will be all of these.” George Washington Carver PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU

38. Abuse & Neglect of Vulnerable Persons: A Law Enforcement Perspective PC Patricia FLEISCHMANN Toronto Police Service 416-808-7040 Facebook: Patricia Fleischmann Twitter: @CaringCop http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/community/elderabuse.php PC Patricia Fleischmann Toronto Police Service - DPSU