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Police and partners: new ways of working together in Montréal

Marie Beaulieu (School of Social Work, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada) (Eastern Townships Public Health and Social Services (CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS), Sherbrooke, Canada)
Michelle Côté (Chief Section de la recherche et de la planification, Service de police de la Ville de Montréal – SPVM, Montreal, Canada)
Luisa Diaz (Faculté de Lettres et Sciences Humaines, Universite de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada)

The Journal of Adult Protection

ISSN: 1466-8203

Article publication date: 11 December 2017

128

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an inter-agency practice integrated within a police intervention model which was developed for police officers and their partners in Montréal.

Design/methodology/approach

The Integrated Police Response for Abused Seniors (IPRAS) action research project (2013-2016) developed, tested, and implemented a police intervention model to counter elder abuse. Two linked phases of data collection were carried out: a diagnostic of police practices and needs (year 1) and an evaluation of the implementation of the intervention model and the resulting effects (years 2 and 3).

Findings

The facilitating elements to support police involvement in inter-agency practices include implementing a coordination structure regarding abuse cases as well as designating clear guidelines of the roles of both the police and their partners. The critical challenges involve staff turnover, time management and the exchange of information. It was recognised by all involved that it is crucial to collaborate while prioritising resource investment and governmental support, with regards to policy and financing, as well as adequate training.

Practical implications

The IPRAS model is transferable because its components can be adapted and implemented according to different police services. A guideline for implementing the model is available.

Originality/value

In the scientific literature, inter-agency collaboration is highly recommended but only a few models have been evaluated. This paper presents an inter-agency approach embedded in an evaluated police intervention model.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The IPRAS research-action project was funded in part by the Canadian Government through the New Horizons for Seniors Programme, from July 2013 to June 2016. The research Chair on Mistreatment of Older adults has been funded by the Québec Government since its conception in 2010.

Citation

Beaulieu, M., Côté, M. and Diaz, L. (2017), "Police and partners: new ways of working together in Montréal", The Journal of Adult Protection, Vol. 19 No. 6, pp. 406-417. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAP-03-2017-0015

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited

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