Adults at Risk – The Police Approach

Detective Chief Inspector

Gemma Morris

Vulnerable Adult Definition

“No Secrets” Code of Practice for Protection of Vulnerable Adults, Dept of Health 2000 (multi-agency)

Aged 18 or over…

Is or may be in need of community care services…

By reason of mental, physical or learning disability

Age or illness

And is or may be unable to take care of him/herself

Or unable to protect him/herself…

Against significant harm or exploitation

Complex Business

Dorset Police – Public Protection, Safeguarding Referral Unit (SRU)

Receives and assesses referrals from range of agencies – e.g. LA Triage teams from alerts

Decision-making re appropriate course of action – e.g. criminal investigation / multi-agency strategy discussion / single agency dealing – and onward referral accordingly

Decision-making re right course of action is complex and multi-factorial

Safeguarding and preventing further harm paramount

Ill Treatment / Wilful Neglect

Section 44 Mental Capacity Act 2005

Types of abuse which may constitute an offence:

Inappropriate sanctions, threats of harm or abandonment, unmet physical needs such as bedding or clothing soaked in urine, overgrown nails, avoidable deterioration in physical or mental health, inappropriate sanctions, deprivation of contact

Actual examples which have constituted an offence:

Excessive sedative medication, slapping dementia sufferer once on hand whilst feeding, using soiled bathwater to brush teeth, kneeling on patient to force-feed medicine

Financial Abuse

Usually involves an individual’s funds or resources being inappropriately used by a third person

Includes witholding of money, unsanctioned use of money, entry into financial contracts or transactions the individual doesn’t understand, or that are to their disadvantage

Examples of financial abuse:

Theft, fraud, pressure in connection with wills, property or inheritance and power of attorney, misappropriation of benefits or property

Future Developments

Potential impact of the Care Act:

Widening scope of the definition - more people could be defined as Adults at Risk

Reviewing Vulnerable Adults demand, structure and processes within Dorset Police

Improve awareness of SRU, its role and capability

Common understanding of definitions, thresholds

Streamlined referral process (common standards)

Effective, informed decisions at earliest point by all agencies to prevent issues escalating, further harm occurring and reduce risk.