Senior Safety Awareness
“When people become comfortable in their surroundings they often let their guard down. These programs are designed to remind them to stay alert and use common sense in everyday situations, making them a less likely target for criminals.” – Sheriff Thomas J. Dart
The Cook County Sheriff’s Office offers programs designed to help senior citizens protect themselves in various situations.
Cell Phones for Seniors Program provides a free 911 Emergency Cellular Phone to Cook County residents, over the age of 65, who do not have a cell phone. For more information on the program, call (773) 869-7878 or click here
Citizen Safety provides individuals with tips to keep themselves safe in several areas, including home and vehicle safety.
Avoiding Identity Theft gives citizens the tools to recognize and avoid scams and the steps they can take to prevent identity theft.
Avoiding Telemarketing Scams teaches the do’s and don’ts of responding to telemarketing scams and how to recognize scams by their “prizes” and pressure phrases.
Plan Today for Tomorrow’s Emergencies is a program that gives tips and guidelines for putting together a family plan and supply kit to use in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency situation.
For more information on the above programs or for scheduling information, contact the Cook County Sheriff’s Jail Diversion and Crime Prevention Division at (773) 869-7159.
Senior Citizen Law Enforcement Academy is a six week program designed to give seniors an overview of the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies in Cook County. The curriculum offers participants and in depth look at law enforcement agency operations, as well as specific crime prevention methods, including personal safety, gang and drug awareness, home protection and avoiding scams and con games. To attend an academy in your area or schedule one at your facility for your group of seniors, please call (773) 869-7725.
Senior Citizen Outreach provides specially trained staff to attend information fairs, advisory councils and community forums throughout Cook County. These officials provide a critical link between senior citizens and the criminal justice system, providing seniors with information regarding proper jurisdictions to file a police report or court documents, answering questions about jury duty or accessing various government programs and services. To schedule a Sheriff’s representative at your next community function, please call (773) 869-7724.
Senior Medal of Honor is given annually to senior citizens in recognition of their volunteer efforts and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others in their community. For more information, contact the Sheriff’s Office of Community Affairs at (708) 974-6799.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS FOR COOK COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS
- Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart
(312) 603-6444 - Sheriff's Senior Citizen Law Enforcement Academy
(773) 869-7725 - Sheriff's Cell Phones for Seniors
(773) 869-7878 - Sheriff's Speakers Bureau
(312) 603-6409 - Sheriff's Police Non-Emergency
(847) 635-1188 - Chicago Police Department Emergency
9-1-1 - Chicago Police Department Non-Emergency
3-1-1 - Chicago Department on Aging
(312) 744-4016 - Suburban Area Agency on Aging-Age Options
1-(800) 699-9043 - AARP Chicago Information Line
1-(866) 448-3613 - Illinois Department on Aging Senior Help Line
1-(800) 252-8966 - Illinois Department on Aging Elder Abuse Hotline
1-(866) 800-1409 - Illinois Attorney General Senior Citizen Consumer Fraud Hotline
1-(800) 243-5377 - Illinois Department of Public Health's Nursing Home Hotline
1-(800)- 252-4343
