St Paul police seek to launch new unit on elder abuse
By PAT PHEIFER, Star Tribune

Last update: May 5, 2008 - 7:38 PM

The recent charges and arrest warrant against a daughter in the case of her elderly mom is a case in point, say advocates, who also point to an aging population.
One court document said 79-year-old Virginia Allred was "sobbing and appeared very upset" after her daughter began screaming at her brother and the staff at the Lyngblomsten Care Center.



St. Paul police are seeking a grant to start a unit that would investigate elder abuse cases, said Sgt. Ann Bebeau, who, with Sgt. Mike Wortman, investigated this case. About 800 suspected elder-abuse cases are reported in St. Paul each year, she said.
"Between 2000 and 2030, the population of those over 65 is going to double," Bebeau said. "Law enforcement needs to think about what kind of services we're providing to that community."
Bebeau said Police Chief John Harrington has been "visionary" in his quest for such a unit.

Abridged
SOURCE: StarTribune

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