What is a TRIAD?
A TRIAD consists of a three-way effort among a sheriff, the police chief(s) in the county, and American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) or older/retired leadership in the area, who agree to work together to reduce the criminal victimization of older citizens and enhance the delivery of law enforcement services to this population. TRIAD provides the opportunity for the exchange of information between law enforcement and senior citizens. It focuses on reducing unwarranted fear of crime and improving the quality of life of seniors. A TRIAD is tailored to meet the needs of each town/city/county and is governed by a senior advisory council S.A.L.T. (Seniors and Lawmen Together).

Why is TRIAD Necessary?
Older Americans comprise the most rapidly growing segment of the population. One in every eight Americans is already aged 65 or older (32.3 million in 1992). Increased life expectancy is leading to new issues and problems for the criminal justice system as most communities experience a dramatic increase in the number of older persons. Calls for service, crimes, victims -- all are changing.

How Did TRIAD Get Started?
The AARP, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (ICACP), and the National Sheriffs' Association (NSA) signed a cooperative agreement in 1988 to work together to reduce both criminal victimization and unwarranted fear of crime affecting older persons. The three national organizations agreed that police chiefs, sheriffs, older leaders, and Triad, work with seniors, working together, could devise better ways to reduce crimes against the elderly and enhance law enforcement services to older citizens. This, they believe, is true community policing, providing better service to a population which appreciates, respects, and supports law enforcement.

Who Carries Out TRIAD Activities?
The senior advisory council, often called S.A.L.T. S.A.L.T. is the key component for the success of a TRIAD. In each community the S.A.L.T. Council acts as an advocacy/advisory group and provides a forum for the exchange of information between seniors and law enforcement. Council members are selected and invited by the chief(s) of police, the sheriff, and someone representing older citizens -- an energetic, knowledgeable senior or someone from the Agency on Aging, AARP, RSVP, ministerial association, etc.

Council members can be a valuable source of input. They can assist in determining the concerns of the community's elderly persons, assess the availability of existing services and programs for the elderly, and recommend additional strategies. S.A.L.T. Council members may also take part in the crime prevention and victim assistance program of the TRIAD program, and help to identify potential volunteers to carry out TRIAD activities.

What Can TRIAD Do?
TRIAD is a way to involve law enforcement and older Americans. The focus is determined by both, assessing the needs of the particular community. Areas with more serious crime problems may focus on crime prevention and victim assistance. Places where older persons are not often targets for crime may decide to concentrate on reassurance programs, training for law enforcement, and involving volunteers within the law enforcement agencies.

The S.A.L.T. advisory council plans activities and programs which will involve and benefit both law enforcement and seniors. Some TRIADs sponsor: