Community Affairs Information - (757) 441-5080
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The Norfolk Sheriff's Office
working in partnership with the
Norfolk Police Department
and the American Association of Retired Persons
(AARP) District 13 presents TRIAD.
WHAT IS TRIAD?
A TRIAD consists of a partnership which involves the Sheriff, the Police
Chief, and AARP or older/retired leadership in the area who agree to work
together. Their primary goals are to reduce the criminal victimization of older
citizens and enhance the delivery of law enforcement services to this
population. TRIAD provides the opportunity for an exchange of information
between law enforcement and senior citizens. It focuses on reducing
unwarranted fear of crime and improving the quality of life for seniors.
A TRIAD is tailored to meet the needs of each community and is guided by a
senior advisory council, S.A.L.T. (Seniors And Law Enforcement Together).
TRIAD is an integral part of community policing.
WHY IS TRIAD NECESSARY?
Older Americans comprise the most rapidly growing segment of the
population. One in every eight Americans is already 65 or older.
Increased life expectancy is leading to new problems and
issues for the criminal justice system as most communities experience a
dramatic increase in the number of older persons.
Calls for service, crimes, and victims are changing.
Lieutenant Steve Duke (left) and Master Deputy Scott Harrell
meet with seniors at a Norfolk TRIAD meeting.
HOW DID THE TRIAD PROGRAM BEGIN?
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), The National Sheriff's
Association, and The International Association of Chiefs of Police signed a
cooperative agreement in 1988 to work together reduce both criminal
victimization and unwarranted fear of crime affecting older persons.
The three national organizations agreed that Sheriffs, Police Chiefs,
older leaders, and those who work with senior citizens, together,
could devise better ways to reduce crimes against the elderly and enhance
law enforcement services to older citizens. The Norfolk TRIAD Partnership
was signed in March 1999, when Sheriff Bob McCabe,
former Norfolk Police Chief Melvin High, Mayor Paul Fraim,
Mr. Gordon Morton (AARP District President), and
former Attorney General of Virginia Mark Earley, came together to work
to stop the victimization of senior citizens in Norfolk.
WHO CARRIES OUT TRIAD ACTIVITIES?
The engine that drives TRIAD is the S.A.L.T. Council (Seniors and Law
Enforcement Together). S.A.L.T. Councils typically include representatives of
the Sheriff's Office, Police Department, AARP, and other senior organizations,
RSVP, service providers, hospitals, the business community, clergy,
Victim/Witness Advocates, Commonwealth Attorney's Office, and other
agencies involved in, or interested in, helping the elderly. The S.A.L.T.
Council assess and addresses the needs of the elderly in the community by
determining the needs and concerns and collaboratively developing ways in
which to meet those needs. The S.A.L.T. Council is the application of that
concept, the action and governing arm of the TRIAD.
WHAT CAN TRIAD DO?
A TRIAD assesses the needs of each community. Areas with serious crime
problems may focus on crime prevention and victim assistance. Where older
persons are not often targets of crime, the S.A.L.T. Council may decide to
concentrate on reassurance programs, training for law enforcement, and
involving volunteers within the law enforcement agencies, and the community.
The S.A.L.T. Advisory Council plans activities and programs to involve and
benefit both law enforcement and seniors. TRIAD sponsored activities include-
Information for older persons on -
How to avoid criminal victimization
Increased involvement in Neighborhood Watch
Home security information and inspections
Knowledge of current frauds and scams
Coping with telephone solicitations and door to door salesman
Elder abuse prevention, recognition and reporting
The 'File of Life' program to aid seniors in a medical emergency
Manning booths and displays at festivals, local malls, and senior events
The Norfolk TRIAD/S.A.L.T. Council meets
the 4th Tuesday of every month at
Norfolk Fitness & Wellness Center
7300 Newport Avenue, Norfolk.
For more information on the Norfolk TRIAD call (757) 441-5080.
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