Police outreach is a good idea

Friday, September 16, 2011

The Merrimack Police Department’s new program aimed at senior citizens and the elderly is one that we should all applaud, especially if we’re no longer spring chickens.

The program, according to Chief Mark Doyle, writing in last week’s Merrimack Journal, has specified goals and objectives, in particular to listen to the concerns of senior citizens and the elderly.

For instance, the department will survey them about “victimization,” and will do crime analysis specific to elderly related offenses like fraud, scams and abuse.

But the best part is that the department will develop new programs, or tailor old ones, to address “actual and perceived victimization concerns,” the chief wrote.

This is all good because as we all know too well, often the elderly don’t report what has, or might have, happened to them. Sometimes they just get fooled, sometimes they don’t know that it’s OK to turn to the Police Department.

That’s why two of the chief’s proposals make a great deal of sense:

There will be, he wrote, police officer training in elderly and senior needs, including available state, county and local services and programs.

And the department will establish long-term engagement of the community services officer with various senior groups. That officer will be the department’s senior liaison.

Sounds good, doesn’t it?

It will be even better if senior citizens and the elderly become engaged in this program. Don’t just use it when you need it, but work with the Police Department to make it work for you and for your friends and neighbors. Too often, things like this get started, then die on the vine because there appears to be a lack of interest.

So, jump right in. Tell the chief you think this is a great idea and ask what you can do to help.

And do it today.