The role of the criminal justice system is to investigate, enforce the law, and protect victims, regardless of the victims' or the perpetrators' ages or physical condition. This presents a challenge for law enforcement in conducting investigations involving special populations, especially the elderly. The number of elderly individuals in the US population is among the fastest-growing demographics of the country.

As criminal justice professionals, we must exercise care while handling this special population. In the past, crimes committed by or against the elderly were considered insignificant and a low priority. A real consideration when dealing with the elderly is the ability of this group to be effective in prosecution. Can they handle the pressure of questioning by prosecutors and defense attorneys?

Criminal justice agencies must design methods and strategies for successfully engaging in these delicate investigations. Often, agencies do not have the required expertise in their ranks to effectively deal with the elderly and may need to consult with resources better equipped to handle their needs. Most agencies have created policies that dictate the methods used to handle investigations involving the elderly.

Discuss appropriate techniques and strategies to use when interviewing or interrogating elderly citizens either as suspects or as victims.

Distinguish between interview and interrogation strategies used for elderly suspects versus elderly victims.

Explain the legal ramifications of each of these approaches. Compare your techniques and strategies with inappropriate approaches for the elderly population.