The Huntsville Police Citizens Advisory Council will host a public forum this week focused on elder abuse awareness, financial exploitation and scams targeting older adults.

The event is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mark Russell Recreation Center, 429 Taylor Road, as part of Elder Abuse Awareness Month.

Representatives from the Huntsville Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation will discuss the growing threat of fraud schemes and abuse targeting senior citizens, while offering guidance on how residents can recognize warning signs, protect family members and report suspected crimes.

Organizers say the forum is designed to provide practical information as financial scams and other forms of exploitation continue to evolve and increasingly target older adults.

The Huntsville Police Citizens Advisory Council, commonly known as HPCAC, serves as a bridge between law enforcement and the community. The council’s mission is to promote trust between residents and the Huntsville Police Department through education, dialogue and community engagement.

Created in 2010, the 13-member advisory board provides citizen input on law enforcement policies and practices and advises police leadership on issues including recruitment, training, diversity and community relations. Council members are appointed by the mayor and Huntsville City Council and are required to be Huntsville residents.

In addition to reviewing police policies and participating in public safety initiatives, HPCAC hosts public education events throughout the year aimed at fostering communication between residents and law enforcement.

Officials said the June 10 forum will provide an opportunity for community members to hear directly from local and federal experts about the latest threats facing older adults and the resources available to help prevent elder abuse.

The event is free and open to the public.