ELDERLY SERVICE PROGRAM
What is the "Elderly Service" Program?
The Elderly Service program is another form of the Rock Island Police Department's Community Oriented policing efforts. The program is a partnership between the Rock Island Police Department and the citizens of Rock Island who are 60 years of age or older. The Elderly Service program is designed to work with senior citizens to create permanent solutions to problems, thereby enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens in the community or neighborhood.
Why was the program started?
The program was implemented to provide law enforcement with a tool to better connect with the elderly population. Today's culture is deeply elderly phobic. People have a fear of the aging process and a prejudice against the old that clouds their perceptions about what it means to grow old in America.
Senior citizens are the fastest growing segment in America today. With continuing improvements in life styles and medical technology, we are living longer and healthier. It is reported that older Americans control 70% of the money in this country. The down side is, as we live longer we may be more likely to become a victim of crime.
What issues are addressed by the program?
Problems of crime, fear and apathy toward crime, social disorder, family decay, neighborhood decay, and quality of life issues are some of the issues addressed by the program. The Elderly Service Officer is the advocate for the senior citizens of the City of Rock Island. This assignment includes both pro-active and reactive law enforcement, follow-up investigations, crime prevention, victim/witness assistance, and community education.
What other Quality of Life Activities does the Program Address?
There are many senior citizens that live alone or in assisted living situations. Many senior citizens do not have the accessibility to get out and enjoy themselves on their own. This may be due to a medical condition, a disability, or lacking financial means. Sometimes, getting away for just a little while can help improve someone’s spirit and state of mind.
To help with this issue, the Elderly Service Program helped organize the Senior Holiday Lights Tour. The tour has grown over the years from a single-night event to a five-night event where an average of 3200 seniors are taken to view the Quad Cities best holiday light displays. This tour is given at no cost to seniors. The Rock Island Police Department Elderly Service Officer has also organized free trips for large groups of seniors to attend the Niabi Zoo and a local scenic riverboat tour.
To contact Elderly Service Officer Jeff Ronk, call 732-2677 or 732-2720.
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