IMPD 1.19 Indigent Elderly and Dependent Adults Welfare Investigations PDF

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department GENERAL ORDER INDIGENT, ELDERLY, AND DEPENDENT ADULT WELFARE INVESTIGATIONS 1.19 POLICY The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) is committed to the prevention, detection and intervention of incidents involving the abuse (physical, mental,...

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department GENERAL ORDER INDIGENT, ELDERLY, AND DEPENDENT ADULT WELFARE INVESTIGATIONS 1.19 POLICY The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) is committed to the prevention, detection and intervention of incidents involving the abuse (physical, mental, sexual or financial) or neglect of dependent adults, elderly and indigent persons. IMPD officers will take appropriate law enforcement action to protect these persons and display the utmost regard for their physical and emotional well-being. This includes, but is not limited to, rendering aid, contacting Adult Protective Services (APS), and/or the enforcing the statutes outlined in Indiana Codes 35-46-1-12 and 35-46-1-13. Employees will be alert and observant and take the necessary steps if evidence of abuse or neglect exist. PROCEDURE I. Abuse or Neglect of Dependent Adults Run Response A. An endangered adult is an individual who is: 1. At least 18 years of age, and 2. Incapable of managing or directing the management of their property or providing or directing the provision of self-care due to: a. Mental illness, b. Mental retardation, c. Dementia, or d. Other physical or mental incapacity. B. IMPD officers will be dispatched by the Communications on all calls alleging abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a dependent adult. 1. Neglect includes incidents where the dependent adult is: a. Placed in a situation that endangers their life or health, b. Abandoned or cruelly confined, or c. Deprived of necessary support. 2. Exploitation includes incidents where an individual recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally exerts unauthorized use of the personal services or property of an endangered adult. C. Upon arrival, officers will attend to any injuries and order any appropriate medical resources, including Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and/or the Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD). RANDAL P. TAYLOR CHIEF OF POLICE Supersedes IMPD General Order 1.19, Effective Date January 1, 2007 Effective: MARCH 10, 2020 Page 1 of 3 1.19 INDIGENT, ELDERLY, AND DEPENDENT ADULT WELFARE INVESTIGATIONS GENERAL ORDER D. Officers must determine if there is reasonable suspicion to believe that abuse, neglect, or exploitation has occurred. An officer may determine that an adult is endangered based on multiple factors, including any of the following: 1. The person’s physical condition. 2. The environment where the person is encountered. 3. The statements of individuals involved. E. If the officer determines that conditions verify the complaint and warrant the immediate removal of the dependent adult from the premises, officers should: 1. Secure the suspect and any known evidence at the scene until a detective has been advised. 2. Facilitate transportation to the hospital, if necessary, and inform EMS that the patient is an abused/neglected dependent adult so that hospital social workers will be alerted to the situation. 3. Notify Communications to contact the appropriate detective unit. Investigative authority will be determined by General Order 5.9 – Investigative Authority. 4. Request an evidence technician for photographs and evidence collection, when necessary. 5. Request assistance from APS through Communications or through APS at 317-327-1403. 6. Make an incident report, thoroughly detailing the conditions found and actions taken, under the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) classification of “Family Offense.” 7. Request Victim Assistance, when necessary. F. If the officer determines that the conditions do not warrant any emergency action, but feels that follow-up services would be appropriate; the officer must make an incident report noting the conditions found. II. Indigent or Elderly Persons in Crisis A. IMPD officers coming in contact with indigent or elderly persons who are in crisis (e.g., mental illness, dementia, etc.) must attempt to locate and return the person to their residence, or attempt to locate a responsible relative or guardian that can care for the person. B. If no address, responsible relative, or guardian can be found, officers will place the individual under Immediate Detention in accordance with General Order 4.7 - Mental Health Crisis Response. III. Check Welfare A. When dispatched to check the welfare of an elderly person or dependent adult, IMPD officers will expeditiously respond to the complaint and attempt to make contact with the individual. B. Officers will make reasonable efforts to contact the individual, including knocking and checking the doors and windows of the residence, while making loud, verbal identifications. 1. If contact is made, officers should ensure the safety of the individual and assess if any medical services are needed. Page 2 of 3 MARCH 10, 2020 RANDAL P. TAYLOR – Chief of Police INDIGENT, ELDERLY, AND DEPENDENT ADULT WELFARE INVESTIGATIONS PERSONS GENERAL ORDER 1.19 a. If the individual is suspected to be the victim of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation, the officer must follow the steps outlined in Section I of this general order. b. If the individual is determined to be safe, no incident report is required. Officers must respect and protect the confidentiality and wishes of the individual regarding their location and wellbeing when making notification to the initial complainant. 2. If unable to make contact with the individual and no reasonable concern for their well-being exists, no incident report needs to be made. 3. If unable to make contact with the individual, but reasonable concern remains for their well-being (e.g., home is unsecured, cries of pain, person down, etc.), officers may need to make forced entry to ensure the safety of a suspected vulnerable adult. When determining if forced entry is necessary, officers must: a. Ensure compliance with IMPD General Order 1.6. – Warrant and Forced Entry Procedures prior to making forced entry. b. Seek supervisor approval if the need for emergency forced entry is not evident. c. Be prepared to provide emergency medical care pending the arrival of medical personnel, if not already present. RANDAL P. TAYLOR – Chief of Police MARCH 10, 2020 Page 3 of 3