Elder Abuse Taskforce
September 7, 2004 was an historic day in
The taskforce was created in recognition of an alarming and increasing pattern of abuse, neglect and exploitation of senior citizens. This abuse and exploitation is not unique to
In creating this taskforce the Commissioners marshaled all of the resources of
The Elder Abuse Taskforce is serving as a model for how government should work. The taskforce was created, and operates, at no cost to the taxpayers. Agencies from the state, county and local level, as well as the private sector, have come together to send the message that Dauphin County cares about its senior citizens and will go to any length to protect their health and safety.
In its short existence there have been many successes including arrests of individuals who have attempted to steal from senior citizens. For the first time in
Perhaps more important than these individual successes the taskforce has created an environment in which agencies and investigators from the state, county and local levels, and the banking community, come together on a regular basis to talk about threats to our senior citizens and how we can combat these threats before a senior citizen is harmed or exploited.
Protective service workers within the Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging now have the ability and access to meet at any time with county detectives to discuss cases. Investigators and protective workers can call and meet with local police officers at any time to seek help in their investigations.
The Attorney General's Office has made its resources and specialized expertise available to the taskforce. The Office of Victim-Witness Protection is actively seeking to assist any senior citizen who may have been abused or exploited.
If you would like additional information or would like to report a case of elder abuse, please call the Taskforce Hotline at 866-SAFE-111 (866-723-3111).
