Aurora police launch senior safety unit to assist, protect older residents

The Aurora Police Department recently launched the Senior Safety and Resources Unit to strengthen the department’s connections with older residents and protect seniors from scams and crimes.

The unit was developed by the department’s Community Oriented Policing Division, officials said.

The unit assigns specially trained officers to patrol areas to offer needy seniors direct support. The department also will partner with Aurora Community Services Director Chris Ragona and Senior and Disability Services Manager Katrina Boatwright to ensure seniors have access to local resources.

Community Oriented Policing Division officers will assist seniors in need of community services, living alone, and victims of crime.

“This program is about more than just responding to incidents — it’s about preventing them,” police Sgt. Skyy Calice said in a news release. “We want our officers to be visible, trusted resources who can connect seniors with help before a crisis occurs.”

According to the department, officers will begin follow-ups with at-risk older residents and detectives trained to investigate senior crimes are working with unit officers to offer safety checks, community resource connections and personal outreach.

Officers also will provide retail employees with help in recognizing and responding to financial scams and gift card fraud attempts.

“Aurora’s seniors are vital members of our community,” Chief Matt Thomas said in the release. “We’re grateful to our community partners and local retailers, whose collaboration helps us extend our reach and protect those who’ve spent a lifetime contributing to this city.”

For more information, call (630) 256-5890 or visit Aurora.il.us/SeniorTaskForce.