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