The Eldorado County Sheriff's Department has created a new detective position to help combat an increase in crimes against seniors.
Sergeant Jim Byers says the nine-percent increase in reported cases of elder abuse over last year likely has several causes, "Some of the financial abuse is increasing because they're considered a relatively easy target and the generation that's now falling into this age category: they have no problem going to law enforcement saying, "Hey, I'm being taken advantage of. You know, I need help."
About one-fifth of Eldorado County is older than 60, which the
government says qualifies them as elderly. The percentage of
seniors is well above the state average.
Physical abuse and financial exploitation are the most commonly reported crimes against the elderly.
The new detective will work with the county's district
attorney and adult protective services offices in prevention and
prosecution of elder abuse.
Byers says funding for the position came from $2.6
million in restructuring and other cost savings undertaken by the
sheriff's department earlier this year.
