News Releases

MPD UNVEILS PROGRAM TO ASSIST SENIOR VICTIMS

Mar 23rd, 2009

For more information, contact:

Dana Godwin,

Public Relations Coordinator

251.208.1918

dana.godwin@cityofmobile.org

Mobile, Ala. — Mayor Sam Jones and Chief Phillip Garrett today announced the formation of a program designed to provide victim assistance to senior citizens. Project CARE (Concerns and Resources for the Elderly), administered by the Mobile Police Department, is a unique collaboration between law enforcement agencies, local advocate groups, and faith-based organizations that provides fraud prevention, crime protection, and victim support.

Under the direction of Sgt. Laura Soulier of the Community Services Unit, officers will visit local community groups to provide "Power Against Fraud" Seminars, disseminate pertinent "Fraud Alerts" to Community Action Groups and CARE partners, and counsel victims regarding the legal and judicial processes following a crime.

The CARE initiative is the only resource of its kind in the state and has gained support from agencies statewide including The Area Agency on Aging, The Mobile County District Attorney's Office, The Alabama Silver-Haired Legislature, The Mobile Regional Senior Community Center, and The Alabama Attorney General's Office. "Project CARE brings law enforcement agencies, the judicial system, and community awareness groups together to bridge a gap in services offered to elderly victims. The program simply builds upon the already wonderful resources our partners currently provide to senior citizens in Mobile. I hope agencies across the state follow our lead and provide similar services to protect the older adults in their communities," says Chief Garrett.

For more information regarding Project CARE, please contact Sgt. Laura Soulier at 208-1920.