Law Enforcement

Federal, state, and local law enforcement officers play a unique and critical role in our response to elder abuse and financial exploitation. The Department of Justice has compiled information to enhance the ability of law enforcement officers to respond effectively to cases involving elder abuse.

Law Enforcement topics

Reporting Obligations

Elder Abuse Sample Protocols and State Statutes

Investigating Elder Abuse

General Elder Abuse Training

Alzheimer’s Disease and Capacity Issues

HIPAA Requirements

Sexual Abuse

Physical and Emotional Abuse

Financial Exploitation

Other Websites for Law Enforcement

	Reporting Obligations Are you a Mandatory Reporter? State and local law enforcement officers reporting requirements vary by state. Find your state's mandatory reporting requirements. Federal law enforcement officers are encouraged to promptly contact the local Adult Protective Services agency or local law enforcement agency to report concerns that an elderly or otherwise vulnerable adult victim or witness may be suffering from neglect, abuse, or financial exploitation (Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance, p. 23).
	State Law Enforcement Elder Abuse Sample Protocols Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Protocol (Santa Clara County, CA) Protocol for Law Enforcement: Responding to Victims of Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation (Illinois) The Michigan Model Vulnerable Adult Protocol (Michigan) Find Your State Elder Abuse Statutes Elder Abuse Laws (Elder Justice Initiative)
	Investigating Elder Abuse Elder Abuse Laws (Elder Justice Initiative) Investigating Elder Abuse: Law Enforcement’s“Best Practices” for a Positive Outcome (National Center for Victims of Crime) Elder Abuse Investigations (Florida Department of Law Enforcement) Legal Issues Related to Elder Abuse: A Pocket Guide for Law Enforcement (American Bar Association) Multidisciplinary Team Technical Assistance Center (MDT TAC) (Elder Justice Initiative) Basics - Elder Abuse Laws (National Center for State Courts) Durable Power of Attorney Abuse: It’s a Crime Too (National Center on Elder Abuse)
	General Elder Abuse Training New York State Elder Abuse Prevention Training Manual (Lifespan) Responding to the Needs of the Elderly: Law Enforcement Field Guide & Resource Manual on Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation (New Hampshire Department of Justice) Elder Abuse Information and Training Guide (Arizona Attorney General - Taskforce Against Senior Abuse) Responding to Victims of Elder Abuse: What Law Enforcement Should Know (Office for Victims of Crime) Elder Abuse (Georgia Public Safety Training Center) Elder Abuse Roll Call Video (Georgia Bureau of Investigation)
	Alzheimer’s Disease and Capacity Issues Safe Return: Alzheimer’s Disease Guide for Law Enforcement (Alzheimer’s Association) A Booming Problem: Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Elder Abuse (Community Oriented Policing Services) Approaching Alzheimer's: First Responder Training Program (Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers Center)
	HIPAA Requirements HIPAA and Law Enforcement (Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems) Guidelines for Releasing Patient Information to Law Enforcement (American Hospital Association)
	Sexual Abuse Elder Sexual Abuse Instructor-Led Training (International Association of Forensic Nurses)
	Physical and Emotional Abuse Physical and Emotional Abuse of the Elderly (Community Oriented Policing Services) Physical and Emotional Abuse of the Elderly (Center for Problem-Oriented Policing)
	Financial Exploitation Financial Crimes Against the Elderly (Community Oriented Policing Services) Fighting Elder Financial Abuse: Law Enforcement’s Role (Legal Aid Association of California)
	Other Websites for Law Enforcement NCEA (National Center on Elder Abuse) NCPEA (National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse) ABA (American Bar Association)