Elder crimes task force to be trained

This Friday, Bloomington law enforcement will engage in a training session to be educated on how to successfully investigate and prosecute crimes made on the elderly.\nMembers of the community are also invited to attend the session, which will be held in City Council Chambers beginning at 8 a.m.. The session is sponsored by the Monroe County Prosecutor’s office, Bloomington Mayor’s office and the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. \nThe event is scheduled to conclude at 5 p.m. and will cover issues such as the growing importance of crimes against the elderly, statutes addressing crimes against the elderly, investigation techniques, Adult Protective Services law, and documenting cases involving incapacitated victims or witnesses. \nMonroe County Prosecuting Attorney Chris Gaal said he believed this problem has been overlooked in the community, and has advised the formation of an Elder Crimes Task Force. This force would include a felony deputy prosecutor, the prosecutor’s Victim’s Assistance Director, a representative from Adult Protective Services and representatives from law enforcement agencies and the community. \n“The problem (crimes made against the elderly) has been here, but we haven’t had a coordinated plan of action,” Gaal said. \nMayor Mark Kruzan of Bloomington agrees the city must take action against crimes, such as financial exploitation that affect its senior citizens. \n“The elderly are our most vulnerable population,” Kruzan said. “While we strive to ensure the safety and well-being of our entire community, the elderly have special issues we need to identify and address.” \nKruzan said he hopes the April 27 training session will enhance personal safety and abuse prevention. \n“Our hope is that by increasing awareness and holding programs such as the one on Friday, we will help provide law enforcement, community organizations and caregivers the tools necessary to handle these issues,” he said.\nAccording to the National Center on Elder Abuse Fact Sheet, about 1 in 14 elder abuse incidents come to the attention of authorities. Kruzan would like to see those numbers decrease. \n“Maintaining a positive and true reputation as a great place for seniors to work, live or visit is not just the right and necessary thing to do, but it is good for our overall economic condition,” Kruzan said.