"With Florida's explosive growth and the increase of the age of our state's population have come criminal behavior directed against our senior citizens.  Perhaps even more important that raw numbers is the psychological and emotional impact of crime on our older citizens. ...As we educate law enforcement, social services, judiciary and other elements of our society, it is critical that we also educate our senior citizens."

Bob Butterworth, Attorney General

Elderly's Fear of Becoming Victims Gave Birth to Seniors vs. Crime

In 1988, Florida's Attorney General Bob Butterworth established a special state-wide Task Force on Crimes Against the Elderly.  The outcome was a clear, concise message that senior citizens were being victimized, are being victimized and would continue to be victimized.

In its final report in October, 1989, the Task Force made substantive recommendations to the Florida Legislature to improve a criminal justice system which too many Floridians believed no longer worked.  Butterworth was asked to become, "innovative, creative and forceful" in protecting all residents, especially the elderly. In order to enforce this message the Attorney General, together with Vern Thornton  established Seniors vs Crime.

The original proposal called for the appointment of senior volunteer county coordinators who would be trained to speak to senior groups on crime prevention methods, frauds, scams and on home security measures.

Seniors vs Crime backed the premise of education , and it was our belief...and still is...that educating senior citizens about crime and how to avoid it is most beneficial in helping seniors help themselves.

Our coordinators, in talking  to senior audiences, convey information on growing old; what happens to the mind and body during this aging process, reflexes, the thinking process, etc. so that men and women can better understand what their capabilities are, and what needs to be done to avoid becoming a crime victim.

As far as commitment, cooperation and involvement within the community, Seniors vs. Crime volunteers can be found serving on task forces, community councils, the TRIAD, and other committees whose purpose is to educate and protect the elderly from becoming victimized.

Trained coordinators hold one-day crime prevention seminars and programs throughout the state on such issues as medicare, elder abuse, telemarketing, auto leasing, securities and other related subjects.  Emphasis is placed on the dual role of law enforcement and seniors as they delve into all aspects of the Community Policing concept.  For law enforcement agencies and other governmental departments, a cadre of trained "Senior Sleuths" stand ready to assist in undercover operations or investigations where it is alleged Florida's elderly citizens are becoming victims of scams.

 Seniors vs. Crime has been recognized nation-wide for its ability to collect and report information on known or suspected white collar crimes against the elderly and for its ability to conduct professional undercover operations when required by law enforcement.