When an elderly person (60 years or older) is arrested or reported for a criminal offense in Essex, the police officer on the case notifies the community services branch, which assesses the seriousness of the offense and the circumstances of the accused. If the accused is considered 'at risk,' the branch officer can administer an immediate caution or seek authority to take no further action. The officer then contacts the offender's doctor, as well as voluntary and statutory agencies, to obtain help with the offender's problems. Referral to any agency or person is done only with the knowledge and consent of the elderly person. Reports are submitted to the superintendent of the Community Services Branch who ratifies the decision and reviews the action taken to help the offender. During the first 14 months of the program, 412 elderly offenders committed 421 criminal offenses in Essex. Of the 412 offenders dealt with, 65 were prosecuted, 316 were cautioned, and no further action was taken with 31 persons. Case examples are supplied.