Forest Grove detective receives award for role in helping protect vulnerable elderly from abuse

A Forest Grove detective was named a recipient of the Oregon Health Care Association's Special Service Award last month for his role in helping shape legislation to protect vulnerable elderly from fraud and abuse.

Detective Matt Smith was honored along with Clackamas County Deputy District Attorney John Wentworth and Brady Scott, director of in Bandon, said Capt. Mike Herb, Forest Grove police spokesman. The three last year were appointed to a governor's work group that drafted legislative recommendations to further protect the elderly from abuse. The result was House Bill 4084, which Governor John Kitzhaber

The bill allows law enforcement to gain access to records that belong to elderly victims without them -- or a caregiver -- signing a waiver, if investigators believe abuse is occurring. That way, authorities can access records much faster, Smith said. The bill requires banks and financial institutions to turn over records upon receipt of a subpoena. Health care providers must comply without court order.

"Detective Smith contributed countless hours in attending meetings and legislative hearings at the State Capital in creating new legislation to protect seniors from becoming victims of fraud and financial abuse," Herb said in an email. "He is definitely a crusader fighting for our vulnerable elderly population."

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Forest Grove detective receives award for role in helping protect vulnerable elderly from abuse