A review of studies pertaining to the elderly's need for special police attention indicates that although the elderly are less likely than younger age groups to experience criminal victimization, the impact of victimization on the elderly is greater because of physical frailty and meager economic resources. One part of this study examined the views of 913 elderly residents of two American cities regarding police services. Responses indicate that the urban elderly's anxieties about crime impose several limitations on their lifestyles and contribute to feelings of depression and loneliness; however, despite the physical, financial, and emotional suffering caused by victimization and fear of crime, the elderly expressed extremely favorable attitudes toward the police. In another study, all the sworn officers in the two departments participating in the study were questioned about their attitudes toward the elderly and their experiences in working with them. The most prominent difficulty noted by the police in working with the elderly is the police role in referring older persons to appropriate sources of help for their noncrime-related problems. Another phase of the study reviewed police-related programs which focus primarily ont he elderly. The most common programs are victim/witness assistance, crime prevention assistance, police officer training, and increased cooperation between law enforcement agencies and social service organizations. Little information was available on the effectiveness of these programs. Another study of the types and volume of police services provided to the elderly in comparison with those provided to younger citizens indicated that the elderly do not make a disproportionate number of demands for police services. Regarding overall policy implications from the study findings, one conclusion is that the police are reasonably effective in meeting the needs of the elderly without the necessity of mounting major specialized police services for the elderly. Secondly, analysis of the data suggests that the police could play a more active role in referring elderly citizens with either crime or noncrime-related problems to appropriate social service agencies. Exhibits and details of study methodologies are provided.