A new initiative by the Aurora Police Department is aiming to protect senior residents from crimes and scams, according to a news release from the police department.
The Aurora Police Department’s new Senior Safety and Resources Unit, which was developed through the department’s Community Oriented Policing Division, will assign specially-trained officers to each patrol area to provide support to seniors, the release said.
The assigned officers will assist senior residents who are victims of crime, living alone or in need of community services, according to the release. Officers that are part of the unit will also do proactive follow-ups with older residents who may be at risk. And detectives trained in investigating crimes against seniors will work with the officers to provide outreach, safety checks and connections to community resources.
“This program is about more than just responding to incidents — it’s about preventing them,” Aurora Police Sgt. Skyy Calice, who is overseeing the initiative, said in the release. “We want our officers to be visible, trusted resources who can connect seniors with help before a crisis occurs.”
The officers will be working with Southeast Kane County TRIAD, a regional partnership meant to improve senior safety and well-being, the release said.
The police department will also be collaborating with the city’s Community Services Director Chris Ragona and Senior and Disability Services Manager Katrina Boatwright for outreach and to ensure seniors have access to local resources, per the release. As part of its partnership with the city’s Community Services Division, the Aurora Police Department will engage with residents at events, neighborhood programs and senior activities.
Officers will also be working with local retailers to help employees recognize and respond to possible fraud attempts and financial scams, the release said.
The department is also partnering with the office of U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville, and the U.S. General Services Administration, per the news release, to distribute the Consumer Action Book, which is meant to help individuals identify and report scams.
Per the release, the Aurora Police Department will be continuing to expand efforts to assist senior residents through new partnerships and outreach opportunities.
Individuals looking for more information about the new Aurora Police Department unit or to connect with their area’s designated officer can contact the department’s Community Oriented Policing Division at 630-256-5890 or go to https://www.aurora.il.us/City-Services/Senior-and-Disability-Resources/Senior-Services-Task-Force.
