TRIAD

Triad, developed by the national organizations (American Association of Retired Persons, International Association of Chiefs of Police and National Sheriffs' Association), is organized and operated at the county level. Triad means:

A three-way commitment among the chief(s) of police in a county, the sheriff and older and retired leaders.

An agreement to work together to reduce criminal victimization of the elderly.

Dedication to enhancing the delivery of law enforcement services to older persons.

Everyone must face the realities of aging. Situations vary as do the ways people deal with growing older.

Regardless of the circumstances, however, most older people say they worry about crime. Many fear becoming victims of crime. As a group, older people can be a powerful and active force. As individuals, they often can be vulnerable and may need help.

How Does TRIAD work?

The core of the operation of Triad is an advisory council composed of law enforcement members (county and municipal), along with older people of the community and people who work with the elderly. The counsel acts as an advisory group for the area law enforcement personnel on crime and security issues concerning the elderly. It discusses and recommends programs, increases communication, and recruits older volunteers to help with its objectives. These include:

Surveying seniors to determine their crime-related concerns.

Locating or preparing a list of currently available services and programs for seniors.

Planning and implementing additional crime prevention programs or services.

Operating an ongoing channel for information exchange between the community's seniors and law enforcement, as well as advocating and advising on programs.

Helping seniors become more fully informed about the workings of the criminal justice system.

Recruiting seniors as volunteers for hands-on action in services and programs.

Assisting with strategies to increase crime reporting.

Provide assistance to victims - for moral support, to assist in access to personal services and counseling, and to act as a guide through the criminal justice system.

Offer crime-prevention education addressing personal safety precautions.

Demonstrate steps to make property less attractive and available to thieves and vandals.

Develop ways to help detect and stop the abuse of older people, through "buddy networks" and other programs. Provide abuse prevention education.

Train seniors about the nature of frauds and scams and how to recognize those who perpetrate them.