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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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) 664-4979.