Police and partners: new ways of working together in Montréal

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present an inter-agency practice integrated within a police intervention model which was developed for police officers and their partners in Montréal. Design/methodology/approach The Integrated Police Response for Abused Seniors (IPRAS) action research project (2013-2016) developed, tested, and implemented a police intervention model to counter elder abuse. Two linked phases of data collection were carried out: a diagnostic of police practices and needs (year 1) and an evaluation of the implementation of the intervention model and the resulting effects (years 2 and 3). Findings The facilitating elements to support police involvement in inter-agency practices include implementing a coordination structure regarding abuse cases as well as designating clear guidelines of the roles of both the police and their partners. The critical challenges involve staff turnover, time management and the exchange of information. It was recognised by all involved that it is crucial to collaborate while prioritising resource investment and governmental support, with regards to policy and financing, as well as adequate training. Practical implications The IPRAS model is transferable because its components can be adapted and implemented according to different police services. A guideline for implementing the model is available. Originality/value In the scientific literature, inter-agency collaboration is highly recommended but only a few models have been evaluated. This paper presents an inter-agency approach embedded in an evaluated police intervention model.

Global Approaches to Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Elder Abuse Prevention: A Scoping Review

“…Articles focused on police officers discussed how law enforcement handled cases of abuse (Aas, 2018) as well as educational interventions on how to respond to cases of elder abuse (Beaulieu et al, 2017; Kardile & Peisah, 2017). All three articles focused on law enforcement recognized the importance of police officers capitalizing on a multidisciplinary approach and engaging in their network of contacts to assist older adults in getting out of abusive situations in the best way possible.…”

“…Norway (Europe) Focuses on how police officers handle cases of abuse and older adult's willingness to report abuse that has occurred. Beaulieu et al (2017). Police and partners: New ways of working together in Montréal.…”

Practitioner Empowerment, Older Adult Mistreatment, and Dementia

“…Furthermore, as the only means of laying charges was the Criminal Code of Canada (Government of Canada, 2018), evidence that a crime was committed was required. Beaulieu, Côté, & Diaz (2017), in an action research project with police in Montreal, Quebec, a legal context also without adult protective legislation, described the scarcity of research on police roles, needs, and contributions to interprofessional OAM efforts. Without this evidence, there is no understanding of their practice challenges.…”

“…Furthermore, privacy legislation, although facilitating the sharing of information in cases of imminent and serious harm (Solomon, 2019;Wahl, 2013), was an impediment to addressing cases before they reached that severity. Although Ontario practitioners have been reproached for not understanding privacy legislation thus legitimizing inaction (Wahl, 2013), information disclosure and confidentiality have been reported as critical limitations by practitioners in similar legal contexts (Beaulieu et al, 2017). The ethical implications of being prevented from disclosing concerns of mistreatment, prior to a crisis, demand to be addressed.…”