Police Intervention in Home Care and Senior Housing

Police

Some types of abuse and neglect are criminal offences. For example, physical assault, sexual assault, failure to provide the necessities of life, theft, fraud, or extortion.

If an adult is in immediate danger of physical harm, call the police at 911.

If a crime is occurring, or an adult is at risk of danger or harm, but the risk is not immediate, call your local police non-emergency line.

The police can:

• conduct wellness checks;
• send a unit to the location to investigate a report of a criminal incident;
• visit the older adult to gather information and evidence;
• arrest a suspect;
• release accused individuals on conditions such as not contacting the abused adult;
• help the adult apply for a peace bond;
• recommend charges to the Crown Counsel;
• apprehend a person in a mental health crisis and take them to hospital for assessment (under the Mental Health Act);
• work with a designated agency or the Public Guardian and Trustee; and
• refer the adult to community services.

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by Seniors First BC, February 2024.

Facts, or proof tending to support the existence of facts, presented to a judge at a hearing or trial. Evidence can be given through the oral testimony of witnesses, in writing as business records and other documents, or in the form of physical objects. Evidence must be admissible according to the rules of court and the rules of evidence. See "circumstantial evidence," "hearsay" and "testimony."

In family law, a legal document in which a person gives up a right or a claim, or the entitlement to enforce a right or advance a claim; a waiver. Releases are usually signed following the settlement of a court proceeding or legal dispute. See "action" and "claim."

In law, (1) the federal and provincial governments and their departments and agencies, or (2) lawyers employed by the federal and provincial governments to prosecute criminal offences.

In law, to take or to seize. In family law, this term usually refers to the taking of a child out of the care of their parents by the police or child welfare authorities.