As the need increased for senior citizens and law enforcement to form partnerships, the Triad program was developed.  The information below was taken from the Hampshire County "The Facts About Triad" handout.

The Southampton Police Department has had a close relationship with the seniors of our community.  We have hosted crime prevention seminars at past Intergenerational Days which were held in conjunction with the Southampton Council On Aging.

If you have any questions, you can contact  Officer Dennis Scribner who is our Triad liaison officer or the Southampton Council On Aging at (413) 529-2105.

Why is Triad Necessary?

Older Americans comprise the most rapidly growing segment of the population. One in every eight Americans is already age 65 or older, a total of more than 33.6 million. 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.

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How did Triad get started? 

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), 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 the police chief, sheriffs, older leaders, and those who work with the seniors, working together, could devise better ways to reduce crime against the elderly and enhance law enforcement service to older citizens. This, they believe, is true community policing, providing better service to a population which appreciates, respects, and supports law enforcement.  

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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 police departments, the sheriff's office, senior citizens, and service providers, (Council on Aging, hospitals, the business community, clergy), and other agencies involved in, or interested in, helping the elderly in the community by determining the needs and the concerns and collaboratively developing ways in which to meet those needs. The S.A.L.T. Council is the application of the trust concept, the governing and action arm of Triad.

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What can Triad Do?

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.

The  S.A.L.T. Council plans activities and programs to involve and benefit both the law enforcement and seniors. 

Triad sponsored activities included 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 solicitation and door to door salesmen

• Elder abuse prevention, recognition and reporting

• Training for deputies and officers in communicating with and assisting the older persons

• Telephone reassurance programs for older citizens (Are you o.k.)

• Adopt - a - senior visits for shut-ins

• Intergenerational projects beneficial to seniors and youths

• Emergency preparedness plans by and for seniors

• 9-1-1 Flash-Lite

• Victim assistance by and for seniors

• Safe shopping days

• File of Life (Emergency medical information cards)

• Mature volunteers within law enforcement agencies

• Speaking bureau available to the community

• "Is your number up" (House Numbers)

Each S.A.L.T. Council selects activities beneficial to mature citizens in that area.

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For more information on Triad, contact 
 Lt. Michael Goyette at: ltgoyette@southamptonpolice.com