D Division - Committed to the Safety and Security of Older Adults

The RCMP recognizes that abuse of older adults is a significant issue that affects many community members. We also recognize that often it is unreported due to fear, shame or embarrassment. As your national police service we are committed to ensuring the safety and security of older adults living in our communities.

The RCMP is pleased to participate on many of the elder abuse networks and committees that exist throughout the province as we recognize the importance of partnerships as key in prevention of abuse of older adults.

"D" Division RCMP is very much involved in promoting awareness of this issue through programs and initiatives such as:

WEAAD (World Elder Abuse Awareness Day)
An international initiative focusing on the prevention and awareness of the abuse of older adults celebrated annually June 15th. Join the celebration and plan your community activities!

For more information please contact:
Sgt. Robert Cooke, Community Policing Services at
204-984-0706 or Robert.B.Cooke@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Shannon Kohler, Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat
204-945-8036 or Shannon.Kohler@gov.mb.ca

Police Academy - Older Adult Division
This twelve hour workshop spread over six weeks focuses on skills and safety principles for older adults. The program is offered in partnership with the Manitoba Seniors and Healthy Secretariat, the Manitoba Association of Multipurpose Senior Centres (MAMSC), Manitoba Consumers Bureau, Winnipeg Police Services, RCMP, Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, the St. James/Assiniboia Senior Centre, the Good Neighbours Senior Centre and other related partner agencies.

Each week, participants are introduced to new safety and security issues and given handout material for future reference. On the final week, participants are presented with a certificate and encouraged to share the information learned with other older adults.

For more information please contact:
Sgt. Robert Cooke, Community Policing Services at
204-984-0706 or Robert.B.Cooke@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Police Partnership Badge Series - Senior Safety
In partnership with Girl Guides of Canada - Manitoba Council, (partnership with Scouts Canada - Manitoba under development) the Police Partnership Badge Series consists of the following four badges:

• Seniors Safety and Security
• Gang Awareness
• Drug Abuse Prevention
• Child Safety and Protection

The Seniors Safety and Security Badge was developed to introduce youth to safety issues surrounding older adults. It is also to promote a positive outlook towards older adults and to encourage positive intergenerational relationships.

For more information on the Police Partnership Badge Series, please contact:
Joelle Abgrall, Youth Initiatives Coordinator, Community Policing Services at
204-983-6322 or joelle.c.abgrall@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

For information on Girl Guides, please contact the Girl Guides of Canada - Manitoba Chapter at
1-800-565-8111 or visit www.girlguides.mb.ca

MNPAOA (Manitoba Network for the Prevention of Abuse of Older Adults)
Established in 2008, the Manitoba Network for the Prevention of the Abuse of Older Adults (MNPAOA) is a partnership of Manitoba-based organizations, including the RCMP, united to eradicate abuse of older Manitobans. The Network utilizes the expertise, skill, knowledge, and resolve of its partners to prevent abuse and to restore respect, dignity, independence and security for older Manitobans.

For more information please contact:
Sgt. Robert Cooke, Community Policing Services at 204-984-0706 or Robert.B.Cooke@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or visit www.olderadultabuse.mb.ca or www.mnpaoa.mb.ca

Seniors’ Guidebook to Safety and Security
The RCMP has produced a guidebook for older adults containing information on home security, identity theft, fraud protection, and more. View and download a copy here (html) (pdf)