Elders & Persons with Disabilities Unit
The Elders and Persons with Disabilities Unit (EPDU) works together with local and state law enforcement, adult protective service providers and human service agencies, to prosecute crimes committed against elders (persons over 60) and persons with disabilities. This partnership allows the victims to receive necessary protective services in conjunction with criminal prosecution.
As the elder population continues to grow, crimes against elders continue to increase in number and complexity. The EPDU staff is prepared to respond to the special needs of the elder population and to ensure equal access to the criminal justice system. The EPDU investigates and prosecutes 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
As part of the EPDU, the nationally-recognized 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 with the goals:
- To reduce criminal activity which targets older residents of Berkshire County,
- To alleviate seniors’ fears of victimization, build confidence and improve the quality of life, and
- To enhance delivery of law enforcement services to older persons.