NEW ALBANY POLICE DEPARTMENT - New Albany, Ohio

10.2.3 Adults over age 65 – Procedure
The mind-set of a person in cognitive decline is much different than that of other adults.
Therefore, questioning, report-taking, and investigating considerations should be appropriately
expanded.
When an officer encounters an older adult in cognitive decline, he/she should give consideration
to the potential that the individual is lost but is not yet reported missing or is disoriented and at
high risk of becoming lost. While initially coherent, these individuals may subsequently be
recognized as being confused and disoriented. Officers should ask the individual basic questions,
such as:
Where are you coming from? Where are you going?
What route are you taking to get there? Who are you meeting?
What is your full name and address? What is your phone number?
What day of the week is it? What month is it?
Can you tell me what city and state you are in?
What time is it right now? (Answer should be correct within one hour.)
If the individual does not provide correct answers to these questions, officers should secure the
person at his/her current location and notify the on duty supervisor immediately. If a substantial
degree of confusion and disorientation is identified, the individual should be temporarily detained
in a reasonably comfortable setting and attempts made by officer(s) to locate the individual’s
family. The following procedures should be used in handling adults with cognitive decline:
Identify yourself as a law enforcement officer and explain why you’ve approached the
person.
Maintain good eye contact.
Speak slowly in a non-threatening, low-pitched voice.
Loudness can convey anger; do not assume the person is hearing-impaired.
Use short, simple words.
Ask “yes” and “no” questions.
Ask one question at a time, allowing plenty of time for a response.
If necessary, repeat your question using the exact wording. People with cognitive decline
may only grasp a part of the question at a time.
Instead of speaking, try non-verbal communication. Prompting with action works well.
Maintain a calm environment, devoid of chaos and excessive stimuli; reduce radio
volume, keep squelch down and avoid use of sirens.
Avoid restraints; confinement may trigger agitation, which may compound confusion and
disorientation. Restraints should be used only as a last resort for the safety of the
individual or others.
Avoid confrontation and correcting the individual.
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