The New York City Council convened on October 30, 2024, to address the pressing issue of elder fraud, focusing on the NYPD's strategies for prevention and investigation. The meeting featured key officials, including Assistant Chief Jason Savino, Deputy Chief Julie Murillo, and Commissioner Lorraine Cortez Vasquez, who outlined the department's commitment to protecting older New Yorkers from financial crimes.

The discussion began with an acknowledgment of the vulnerability of the elderly population, who are often targeted due to factors such as financial illiteracy, social isolation, and cognitive decline. The NYPD emphasized its twofold approach to combating elder fraud: proactive community education and thorough investigative procedures.

Savino highlighted the importance of prevention, stating that educating the community is crucial in helping individuals avoid scams. The NYPD has implemented extensive outreach efforts, conducting over 27,100 safety presentations across various venues, including libraries and community centers. These sessions aim to inform seniors about common scams and provide them with resources to protect themselves. The department also maintains an online repository of educational materials available in multiple languages.

Despite these efforts, financial fraud against the elderly persists. When such crimes occur, the NYPD employs a comprehensive investigative process, which includes interviewing victims, gathering video evidence, and collaborating with financial institutions to trace stolen funds.

The meeting also addressed proposed legislation, specifically Intro 1101, which would mandate the NYPD to publish information on identity theft and enhance officer training on handling such complaints. The department expressed strong support for this bill, indicating that many of its provisions are already in practice.

Council members raised questions regarding the effectiveness of outreach efforts and the data used to identify neighborhoods for community events. They sought clarification on the training of police officers to recognize elder abuse, noting that 6,000 out of 36,000 officers have received specialized training.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the NYPD's ongoing commitment to safeguarding older adults from financial fraud through education, investigation, and legislative support. The department aims to continue its collaborative efforts with the City Council to enhance protections for this vulnerable demographic.