Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey said today that more than 140 law enforcement officers are expected to attend a two-day conference offering instruction on how to protect and assist senior citizens by learning to recognize the signs of psychological, physical and financial abuse.
The Elder Abuse & Exploitation Conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on September 8th and September 9th at the Middlesex County Fire Academy in Sayreville.
More than 20 guest speakers will discuss a variety of topics that will help law enforcement recognize and assist senior citizens who are being financially or physically abused by their caretakers.
Keynote speaker for the event will be Deputy District Attorney Paul Greenwood of the office of the San Diego County District Attorney. Mr. Greenwood, who heads that agency’s Elder Abuse Protection Unit, will address the audience on September 8th at 9:30 a.m.
Prosecutor Carey said law enforcement officers from each of the 28 police agencies in the county, as well as officers from various departments around the state, will be attending.
“When it comes to elder abuse and financial exploitation, our goals are twofold,” Prosecutor Carey said. “First, in order to prevent crime, we must give support and identify resources available to our seniors and those who care for them. Second, where there is evidence of crime, we must aggressively investigate and prosecute those committing these illegal acts.”
He said guest speakers come from a variety of government agencies and private businesses.