police interviewing of elderly victims and witnesses nyc elder abuse training project, 2004
TRANSCRIPT
Police Interviewing of Elderly Victims and Witnesses
NYC Elder Abuse Training Project, 2004
If Mentally or Physically Impaired
Vulnerable to criminals May seem difficult to interview
– Communication impairment– Loss of attention
Aids to Interviewing
Current skills:– Courtesy – Patience – Active listening
Knowledge about conditions affecting seniors
Elderly Victims Often
Traumatized by abuse Ambivalent about acknowledging abuse Confused May fear police
Positive Aspects
Most regard police as “good guys” Build on this to gain trust Simple courtesies help gain respect
Suggestions
Ask permission to sit near older person at eye level
Keep weapon out of sight Is victim tired or not feeling well? Address elder by last name Convey that your primary concern is his/her
welfare
More suggestions
Begin with friendly questions Speak slowly and clearly in short, simple
sentences Ask one question at a time Avoid leading questions
More suggestions
Older persons may need more time to respond than younger victims; wait for response
If elder appears disoriented, ask 4 questions (see slide 19)
If the elder has difficulty remembering when an event occurred, try memory cues, e.g., “What tv program was on?”
Strategies for hearing impaired
Having difficulty hearing? Use a hearing aid? Prefer written communication?
Hearing impaired (continued)
Let person see your lips, face, hands Eliminate most background noise Remain 3 to 6 feet away Don’t speak directly into ear Establish eye contact before you speak
Hearing impaired (continued)
Speak slightly louder; don’t yell Don’t speed up or over-articulate If person seems not to understand, re-phrase
instead of repeating If you don’t understand, ask person to re-
phrase Use visual aids (drawings, etc.)
Strategies for visually impaired
Ask if they need reading glasses Use larger type, e.g. 14pt Keep message short and simple
Visually impaired (continued)
Move text between edge and center of the person’s field of vision – People with Macular Degeneration have
peripheral visionCan’t see directly in frontWon’t look directly at you
Dual sensory impairment
If poor vision and hearing, use all strategies except visual cues
If blind and deaf, use interpreter– Impartial– Not family member or caregiver
Background on dementias
Dementia = gradual deterioration in cognitive functioning
Symptoms include:– impaired memory and perception– decreased decision-making abilities
Alzheimer’s disease
Most prevalent form of dementia Culminates in total dependency Agitation and wandering common In mid to later stages, psychosis in 50-80%
– Paranoia– Delusions– Hallucinations
Dementia
Not part of normal aging 5-8% of those over 65 Dementia-like symptoms can be caused by
delirium or depression, but most dementia irreversible (progressive).
Medical exam can rule out other causes
Problems for police
Assess allegations by demented person of theft or intrusion; they may be true
“Masking” = person with recall problem who may say “I don’t have time for this”
Mental Status: Orientation Questions
What is your name? Where do you live? What is the month? Who is the President?
Communicating with Dementia-Sufferer
May be lucid and provide good info Consult service provider familiar with person
for tips “Sundowning” = result of cumulative
stimulation during course of a day– Usually shows late in day– Agitation (e.g., pacing, loud vocalizing,
combativeness)– Postpone interview
Strategies for Interview with Dementia Sufferer
Keep area quiet and free of distractions Begin with orienting info (e.g., purpose of
interview) Offer words of reassurance Relax; they can sense anxiety Acknowledge person’s feelings
Strategies for Interview with Dementia Sufferer (continued)
Speak slowly in soothing tone, but avoid infantilizing
Give person ample time to respond Use simple and concrete words Give simple directions, one step at a time
Strategies for Interview with Dementia Sufferer (continued)
Repeat questions as needed If person upset, try distraction or redirection
to calm and refocus Observe reactions; emotional responses may
reveal what words don’t (e.g., abuse)
Misuse of Medications
Common Can cause confusion and disorientation Abusers often drug elderly victims Check what meds person takes; ask to see
bottles; record info Ask if other MDs prescribe; ask if person
takes over-the-counter meds