Elder Abuse – A Police Response Perspective (Waterloo Regional Police Service – Senior Support Team)
November 2nd, 2023
EAPO Annual Virtual Conference Series, 2023
Ethical and Legal Responsibilities: Reporting Elder Abuse
Session: Elder Abuse – A Police Response Perspective (Waterloo Regional Police Service – Senior Support Team)
This session covered reporting to police when there are concerns for the safety and well-being of older adults in suspected or witnessed abuse situations, the role of police in responding to calls in community/long-term care and retirement Homes, including requests for a check on the well-being, the specific responsibilities of investigations on the WRPS Senior Support Team and the importance of working in collaboration with community partners to provide intervention and support.
SPEAKER
Detective Constable Mike Payne
Waterloo Regional Police Service
Detective Constable Mike Payne has worked for 27 years as a police officer with Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS). Currently he is assigned as an elder abuse investigator with WRPS Senior Support Team and investigated and risk assessed over 800 complaints of elder abuse over his career as an elder abuse investigator with WRPS.
His police experience includes General Patrol, Community Development, General Investigations, Homicide, Communications Center Operations and Major Frauds. He is currently the Vice-Chair of Law Enforcement Agencies and Seniors Partners Protecting Seniors (LEAPPS) and Chair of Waterloo Wellington Elder Abuse Prevention Council.
DC Payne is a University of Waterloo graduate and obtained the Osgoode Hall Certificate in Elder Law in 2021. He is an advocate for capacity building within Waterloo Region to prevent elder abuse and ensure seniors thrive with Honor – Dignity – Respect.