Police Intervention in Home Care and Senior Housing
From Clicklaw Wikibooks
Police[edit]
Some types of abuse and neglect are criminal offences. For example, physical assault, sexual assault, failure to provide the necessities of life, theft, fraud, or extortion.
If an adult is in immediate danger of physical harm, call the police at 911.
If a crime is occurring, or an adult is at risk of danger or harm, but the risk is not immediate, call your local police non-emergency line.
The police can:
- conduct wellness checks;
- send a unit to the location to investigate a report of a criminal incident;
- visit the older adult to gather information and evidence;
- arrest a suspect;
- release accused individuals on conditions such as not contacting the abused adult;
- help the adult apply for a peace bond;
- recommend charges to the Crown Counsel;
- apprehend a person in a mental health crisis and take them to hospital for assessment (under the Mental Health Act);
- work with a designated agency or the Public Guardian and Trustee; and
- refer the adult to community services.
| This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by Seniors First BC, February 2024. |
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