Q: Can you share some information about the Seniors vs. Crime initiative?
A: This is a special initiative in collaboration with Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office. SJSO is the 32nd office in the state to participate in this project and the third one under AG Moody. We officially kicked off our partnership on Dec. 19, 2023 and are currently working on cases.
Q: Can you describe the initiative?
A: Seniors vs. Crime is staffed completely by volunteers and serves approximately 50,000 seniors in St. Johns County. The primary mission is to reduce the victimization of senior citizens by scams and crimes based on their age. There are three primary objectives. First, to provide education through various scam and crime prevention programs. We are able to tailor these presentations for group size and demographics. Second, to investigate complaints and seek restitution for seniors. The services are free of charge and any money recovered goes back to the victim. Third, the initiative provides senior volunteers an opportunity to learn new skills and provide a service to our community’s senior citizens.
Q: What is the background of the volunteers?
A: We found a retired FBI agent who now runs this unit. We have specially trained volunteers in this project who are really subject matter experts since all are retired law enforcement officers, either local, state, or federal.
Q: What does SJSO provide to the Seniors vs. Crime project?
A: We provide office space and equipment. They actually have access to all SJSO offices for work space for interviews with senior citizen victims to best serve our senior citizens. These volunteers, and our detectives, deputies, and staff all work side by side to help seniors in St. Johns County. Far too often we see our senior citizens taken advantage of and are thrilled to add this resource for our senior citizens.
Q: How can senior citizens contact Seniors vs. Crime volunteers if they think they are a victim of a senior crime?
A: Seniors who would like assistance on a potential case or who might be interested in being part of the volunteer team should contact stjohns@svcproject.org or call (904) 209-1432.
Q: What is the best way for our readers to contact you with any questions or suggestions about this article?
A: They can email me at sheriff@sjso.org or call me at (904) 824-8304. Also, our website, www.sjso.org has a wealth of resources, from alarm registration to Crime Stoppers to our Neighbors app.
