EPPIA UPDATE DECEMBER 2008

Interview with Officer Elizabeth Stroner

The Eden Prairie Police Department has a senior liaison officer, Elizabeth Stroner, who assists the senior population in Eden Prairie with questions and concerns. The following is an interview with Officer Stroner and Eden Prairie Professionals in Aging.Eden Prairie Professionals in Aging: How long have you been an Eden Prairie Police Officer?

Officer Stroner: The City of Eden Prairie’s Police Department hired me in 2003 but I have been a licensed peace officer for almost 12 years.  I am part of the Liaison Unit and work primarily with seniors in the community.  My counterparts work in various Eden Prairie Schools.

EPPIA: How big is the Eden Prairie Police Department?

OS: There are 65 sworn officers including the Chief, command staff, detectives and patrol.  There are also 30 civilian staff including dispatchers, records staff and others.

EPPIA: What did you do before you worked at Eden Prairie?

OS: Before joining the EPPD I worked for the Hopkins Police Department for 6 ½ years where I worked patrol and was also a field training officer and K9 officer for about five years.  My retired German Shepherd partner, Kojak, stays at home now and has a relaxing life!

EPPIA: Why did you want to become a cop?

OS: Years ago I worked at Dayton’s Department store catching and arresting shoplifters.  Part of the process was turning over the arrested person (a citizen’s arrest) to a police officer so that they could get charged for the crime.  Because I worked in so many locations around the Twin Cities I had the opportunity to meet a lot of police officers from different jurisdictions.  All of them were very professional and friendly and “normal” – meaning, they are regular people like me and you except they really liked catching the “bad guys”!  I thought, “Now there’s a job I could do!”

EPPIA: How did you get into working with seniors and what do you do?

OS: Many of you probably remember Joyce Conley.  She is widely known in the senior community and retired from the police department a few years ago.  She was the department’s liaison for the seniors.  (I’m still trying to fill the very large shoes that Joyce left.)  I applied for her position (and got it!) and try to continue to be a name and a face for any and all seniors who have any questions about the police or police-related matters.  I have found that seniors don’t generally call the police unless they feel comfortable.  I try to be available for them so that their questions are answered.  I also work with the senior center to bring police programs there.  May (Senior Awareness Month) is a busy time for me and the police department has lots of offerings at the senior center.  Come check it out!

 EPPIA: On the Police Department website there are more “Senior Safety Tips.” Do you think seniors are particularly vulnerable to crime?

OS: Many senior citizens fear crime, although statistically their risk of being victimized is quite low. Crimes of violence occur least often, and statistics show that people 65 and over have the lowest rates of being victimized by most types of crime. Criminals look for easy opportunities. If you remove opportunities before criminals spot them, you will make crime more difficult and reduce your chances of becoming a victim. Most importantly: trust your instincts, be cautious and alert, and exert self-confidence at all times.

EPPIA: What about consumer crimes such as fraud, sales gimmicks and scams?

OS: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.  Before you agree to any contract regarding insurance, home repairs, sweepstakes, money, medical or business schemes, check with the Better Business Bureau or the police department. Regardless of how nice and polite a door-to-door salesperson or telemarketer may seem, be suspicious of proposals that require immediate cash.

EPPIA: Also on the website is a section on the “File of Life.” What is this?

OS: The purpose of the File of Life is to make your medical history available to emergency personnel so that accurate medical treatment can be provided. The file is useful in situations if you become unconscious or unable to share information about your medications or allergies. The file comes with two cards: one for your purse/wallet and one (magnetized) for your refrigerator. It’s easy to use. Simply fill out the card with a pencil and update it regularly. File of Life packets can be picked up at the Eden Prairie Senior Center and the Eden Prairie Police and Fire Departments. 

EPPIA: How do we reach you?

OS: I normally work Monday through Friday during business hours and can be reached at the police department at 952.949.6200. Ask for Officer Stroner. I’d be happy to help! Additional information can be found at: www.edenprairie.org./vCurrent/live/article.asp?r=2954 or go to: www.edenprairie.org then go to “city departments” then “police department” then “senior services.”

Eden Prairie Professionals in Aging is a professional networking organization made up of representatives of diverse organizations, all committed to the welfare of seniors in our community. For more information on EPPIA and a list of resources regarding activities in Eden Prairie, please visirt our website at: www.edenprairieaging.org/. 

Submitted by EPPIA Members:

Joyce M. Konczyk, Geriatric Care Manager, 612.227.7414

Officer Elizabeth Stroner, Senior Liaison Officer, Eden Prairie Police Department, 952-949-6200