Brenda Lyle – Florida Today
Q: Are there any law enforcement programs that benefit seniors?
A: Your local county Sheriff’s Office may offer several programs with direct or indirect benefits for senior citizens! Read on for a description of available Central Florida programs, which focus on safety, engagement, and community support.
C.H.A.N.C.E. (Citizen Has a Noticeable Crisis Episode): This program provides a voluntary card for individuals with special needs (including seniors with mental or neurological conditions), to carry and present to law enforcement during encounters. It helps deputies understand and respond appropriately to those who may need special assistance, such as seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Families can register loved ones to ensure their information is on file for emergencies.
Project Lifesaver: Aimed at at-risk individuals (including seniors with diminished mental capacity), this program uses wristband transmitters to help locate individuals who wander or get lost. The Sheriff’s Office partners with community volunteers, including those in the Citizens Observer Patrol, to support search efforts, for the quick recovery and safety of vulnerable seniors.
SCENT Program: Since 2021, Senior Resource Alliance has partnered with the U.S. Department of Justice, Orange County Sheriff’s office and Scent Evidence K9, as part of Central Florida’s “Bringing the Lost Home” project. The SCENT program uses advanced K9 training to locate missing persons, specifically those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Each year, Senior Resource Alliance and its partners provide preparedness and prevention services to an estimated 85,000 such seniors in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Brevard counties.
Citizens Academy: This seven-week program is open to all Brevard County residents aged 18 and older, including seniors. It provides an inside look at Sheriff’s Office operations through classroom instruction, facility tours (e.g., jail, crime scene lab) and a deputy ride-along. The program fosters community engagement and educates seniors on law enforcement processes, enhancing their understanding and connection to public safety.
Citizens Observer Patrol (C.O.P.): Brevard Seniors can volunteer in this program, which involves tasks like vacation house checks, traffic control and supporting Project Lifesaver. Volunteers contribute to community safety, with options for administrative roles at precincts or offices. This offers seniors an active role in community service. For more information, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at (321) 454-6643.
Community Services Unit Presentations: The Sheriff’s Office provides crime prevention and personal safety programs for community groups, including fraud prevention, self-defense and home security surveys. Request a Brevard presentation by clicking the Community Services Resources link from the Contact page on the Sheriff’s Office website.
These programs reflect the commitment of the Sheriff’s Office to supporting seniors through safety, education, and community involvement. On June 13, the Seminole Sheriff’s Office will present Senior Academy at One Senior Place in Altamonte Springs. RSVP online at www.OneSeniorPlace.com/events.
Brenda Lyle is a Certified Care Manager and Certified Dementia Practitioner with One Senior Place, Greater Orlando. One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Submit your questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com. For immediate help, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.
