PC 368.1 Law Enforcement Card and Training Program

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2014

The San Bernardino County Department of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) administers the Adult Protective Services (APS) program to protect seniors and dependent adults from abuse and neglect. Law enforcement agencies are critical to determining whether abuse/neglect has occurred, conducting criminal investigations and referring suspected abuse or neglect to the District Attorney for prosecution. To enhance the ability of law enforcement officers to apply relevant sections of Penal Code 368.1 (PC 368.1) in the prevention and investigation of elder and dependent adult abuse, DAAS launched an enhanced PC 368.1 Law Enforcement Information Card in 2011 with an associated training program for law enforcement officers. The Law Enforcement Information Card is an attractive pocket-sized, two-sided, accordion-style card that provides officers with Penal Codes applicable to elder and dependent adult abuse, enabling them to file proper charges against alleged perpetrators. DAAS APS social workers provide the informational card and training directly to local law enforcement at law enforcement departmental meetings. Through the use of the Law Enforcement Information Card and associated training, there has been increased participation in elder and dependent adult abuse investigations by local law enforcement agencies and improved relationships between DAAS social workers and law enforcement.