Finding #3 Grand Jury Finding #3 - Some local law enforcement agencies do not consistently collect*

Grand Jury Finding #3 - Some local law enforcement agencies do not consistently collect data to track elder abuse cases received from APS, making it impossible to determine if these cases are fully investigated or referred to the DA for prosecution. Response to Finding #3 As it applies to the Folsom Police department, we disagree with this finding. The Folsom Police Department receives referrals from APS via US mail and fax. Upon receipt, the referral is entered into our records management system by a Records Technician. The Folsom Police Department created a specific call type to differentiate APS referrals from other call types. Upon entry, each referral is reviewed by a Detective Sergeant and assigned to a Detective or a new incident is created for our Patrol Division to respond Entry into our records management systems allows the referral/case to be tracked throughout its progress. FINDING #6 Grand Jury Finding #6 - Law enforcement agencies in Sacramento County are not placing as much priority on elder financial abuse as other types of elder abuse, allowing abusers to avoid consequences. Response to Finding #6 As it applies to the Folsom Police department, we disagree with this finding. The Folsom Police Department places a priority on all forms of elder abuse. In 2024, the Folsom Police Department received sixteen reports of elder abuse included in Penal Code 368. Of those sixteen cases, five resulted in arrests or citations and seven were referred to the District Attorney's Office for arrest warrants. Only two cases were suspended for lack of evidence or other investigative reasons.

Grand Jury Finding #8 - Several of the law enforcement agencies in Sacramento County lack dedicated detectives with specialized training in the investigation of elder financial abuse and as a result many abusers are not being held accountable. Response to Finding # 8 As it applies to the Folsom Police department, we disagree with this finding. The Folsom Police department uses a rotational assignment system to ensure detectives are able to focus an appropriate amount of effort on their various investigations. The record of investigations, prosecution referrals and arrests discussed in response #6 indicate this practice is effective and appropriate for our agency. The relatively low number of reported elder financial abuse cases would not justify a detective solely dedicated to those crimes.

Grand Jury Finding #9 - Local uniformed law enforcement officers do not receive continuing education and training in how to recognize the signs of elder financial abuse, thereby allowing abusers to continue their victimization without consequences. Response to Finding # 9 As it applies to the Folsom Police department, we disagree with this finding. The Folsom Police Department regularly conducts training in a variety of areas that patrol officers are likely to encounter. The most recent training on Elder Financial Abuse was conducted January and February 2025, when our detective unit taught in-service training to our uniformed officers.

Grand Jury Finding #13 - There is insufficient community outreach by agencies within Sacramento County to educate elder citizens and their families and caregivers about financial abuse, so the signs of abuse may not be recognized. Response to Finding #13 As it applies to the Folsom Police department, we disagree with this finding. In the past 20 years, The Folsom Police Department has presented to community groups, the annual Citizen's Academy and to concerned citizen's about the risk of Identity Theft, Online Scams and in-person scams that are likely to target elder adults. We also periodically release information through various communication channels to carry out this message in writing. Beginning in 2024, the Folsom Police Department began an outreach program in collaboration with our Citizens Assisting Police (CAPS) volunteers. The program is specifically tailored to educate our elder population about identity theft, common and current scams targeting elders, ways to proactively protect their information, and resources for victims of fraud. The instructors conduct presentations at senior centers, assisted living facilities, and at our Police Department during our Citizens Academy. The Folsom Police Department has conducted six of these workshops at various locations in the City and is currently planning to continue this program throughout the year. RECOMMENDATION #3 Grand Jury Recommendation #3 - All law enforcement agencies maintain a record of elder financial abuse cases referred by APS, including whether these law enforcement agency conducted additional investigation and whether it sent the case to the DA for potential prosecution, to being by December 31, 2025. Response to Recommendation #3 The Folsom Police Department already maintains the described records.