Policy Text
Policy Delano Police Department
314 Delano PD Policy Manual
Adult Abuse
314.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the investigation and reporting of suspected
abuse of certain adults who may be more vulnerable than others. This policy also addresses
mandatory notification for Delano Police Department members as required by law.
314.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Adult abuse - Any offense or attempted offense involving violence or neglect of an adult victim
when committed by a person responsible for the adult’s care, or any other act that would mandate
reporting or notification to a social service agency or law enforcement (Penal Code § 368).
Abuse of an elder (age 65 or older) or dependent adult - Physical abuse, neglect, financial
abuse, abandonment, isolation, abduction, or other treatment with resulting physical harm or pain
or mental suffering; or the deprivation by a care custodian of goods or services that are necessary
to avoid physical harm or mental suffering. Neglect includes self-neglect (Welfare and Institutions
Code § 15610.07; Penal Code § 368.5).
314.2 POLICY
The Delano Police Department will investigate all reported incidents of alleged adult abuse and
ensure proper reporting and notification as required by law.
314.3 INVESTIGATIONS AND REPORTING
All reported or suspected cases of adult abuse require investigation and a report, even if the
allegations appear unfounded or unsubstantiated.
Investigations and reports related to suspected cases of adult abuse should address, as
applicable:
(a) The overall basis for the contact. This should be done by the investigating officer in all
circumstances where a suspected adult abuse victim is contacted.
(b) Any relevant statements the victim may have made and to whom he/she made the
statements.
(c) If a person is taken into protective custody, the reasons, the name and title of the
person making the decision, and why other alternatives were not appropriate.
(d) Documentation of any visible injuries or any injuries identified by the victim. This should
include photographs of such injuries, if practicable.
(e) Whether the victim was transported for medical treatment or a medical examination.
(f) Whether the victim identified a household member as the alleged perpetrator, and a
list of the names of any other potential victims or witnesses who may reside in the
residence.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/12/06, All Rights Reserved. Adult Abuse - 1
Published with permission by Delano Police Department