The Elders and Persons with Disabilities Unit works in cooperation with local and state law enforcement, adult protective service providers and human service agencies, to promptly and effectively prosecute crimes committed against elders and persons with disabilities. This partnership also ensures that the victim receives the necessary protective services.

The EPDU provides training at the local level such as:

• Increased Awareness of Crimes
• Identification of Various Types of Abuse
• Prompt Reporting of Suspected Abuse
• Mandated Reporting Requirements
• Best Practice Investigation Technique

Crimes Against Elders

As the elder population continues to grow, crimes against elders will continue to increase in number and complexity. The EPDU staff is trained and prepared to respond to the special needs of the elder population and to ensure equal access to the criminal justice system, focusing on the investigation and prosecution of crimes committed against persons who are sixty years of age or older including, but not limited to:

• Financial Exploitation
• Sexual Abuse
• Physical Abuse
• Caregiver Neglect

The EPDU is dedicated to assisting victims of abuse who have disabilities. The EPDU staff is trained and prepared to respond to the special needs of persons with disabilities so as to preserve the person's dignity and trust, as well as to ensure equal access to the criminal justice system, focusing on the investigation and prosecution of crimes committed against persons with mental illness, mental retardation and physical disabilities, including, but not limited to: 

• Sexual Abuse
• Physical Abuse
• Caregiver Neglect
• Financial Fraud

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TRIAD

As part of the EPDU, the TRIAD program plays a major part in linking community partnerships. Triad is a community policing initiative between seniors, law enforcement and service providers to increase safety through education and crime prevention. Its goals are:

• To reduce criminal activity which targets older Americans
• To alleviate seniors’ fears of victimization, build confidence and improve the quality of life
• To enhance delivery of law enforcement services to older persons

Triad is implemented by a S.A.L.T. (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) Council which may be composed of:

• Seniors
• Police, sheriff, and the district attorney
• Protective service personnel
  

For information on TRIAD in your community, or how to begin one, please contact (413) 586-9225

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In Safe Hands

In partnership with the Massachusetts Alzheimer‘s Association, In Safe Hands is a program designed to help you or your loved one have greater peace of mind by assisting law enforcement to identify and find your loved one should they become lost. A photograph and a detailed registration form, with identifying information, will be kept by your local law enforcement agency. All information is kept confidential.

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Important Referral Numbers

In any emergency call 911

Disabled Person Protection Commission Hotline (800) 426-9009
24 hours a day / 7 days a week (24/7) (V/TTY)

Elder Abuse Hotline (800) 922-2275 (24/7)

Highland Valley Elder Services (413) 586-2000 Hours: 9-5
Serves Hampshire County cities and towns except Belchertown, Granby, South Hadley and Ware

Franklin County Home Care (413) 773-5555 Hours: 9-5
Serves all of Franklin County and the town of Athol

Greater Springfield Senior Services (413) 781-8800 Hours: 9-5
Serves Belchertown, Granby, South Hadley and Ware

Northwestern District Attorney’s Elder and Persons with Disabilities Unit
(413) 586-9225 | Hours: 8-5
(413) 586-9382 TTY