Starting a Triad
Agreeing
The first step in forming a Triad involves law enforcement leaders. In most cases, this is the sheriff and police chiefs, providing an opportunity to work together for safer seniors in their community.
A Triad begins with one law enforcement leader bringing together other law enforcement, seniors and those who work for them, to form a team. As an example, a chief of police may contact other chiefs, the sheriff, and someone to represent older residents and their services. This person may be an RSVP leader or other senior with experience, knowledge of the community, and the ability to motivate others - they normally work with older individuals.
Meeting
Schedule the first meeting as a second step. Agree to work together to assess senior needs and enhance crime-related services. At the first meeting a Triad Cooperative Agreement should be signed (see Appendix A). Secure media coverage of law enforcement focusing on the crime-related elder needs.
Triad focuses on prevention, criminal victimization and safety-emphasizing that all agencies work jointly and cooperatively.
Beneficial Triad meeting topics include:
- Elder population growth;
- How law enforcement services are affected by population changes;
- Educating older individuals who may not know how/where to obtain services;
- Benefits to law enforcement by referring seniors to needed services;
- Educating law enforcement with pertinent elder information;
- Teaching law enforcement elder communication skills;
- Discuss Triad benefits to law enforcement, other service providers, older residents, and the community;
- The benefits of a Council of law enforcement leaders and seniors.
Getting Underway
Establish a S.A.L.T. Council (a senior advisory council) as the next step. Consider members for the Council and set a date for the first Council meeting. This process is discussed in detail in Chapter Three: Making Triad Work.
Many law enforcement agencies have a departmental policy on the Triad approach to crime and senior individuals. A model policy is in Appendix B.
The involvement of the police department(s), sheriff's office, older leaders and those who work with seniors is essential to create a successful Triad.
Variables
Although there is no format for replicating Triad activity and success, established Triads report some commonalties:
- Sheriff and at least one chief attend most senior advisory Council meetings;
- Officers and Deputies provide guidance and support rather than chairing Council meetings
- Within the first few months, a survey of older residents is reviewed by the Council and conducted with members' assistance
- Monthly meetings of the Council. Groups meeting only quarterly move slowly and rely more heavily on the support and involvement of law enforcement professionals;
- Triad-sponsored crime prevention seminars for older persons;
- Recruitment of senior volunteers to work with law enforcement agencies;
- An effort to identify and publicize programs that assist older persons, and
- Outreach to vulnerable seniors living alone.
The commitment of agency representatives and volunteers will dictate variety of programs and services of Triad. It will progress by the group of individuals who know the community and understand elder concerns.
For more information, please refer to the Triad Manual.