Based on a national program started in 1988 by the AARP and the National Sheriffs Association, TRIAD uses a partnership between a community's older citizens and members of the law enforcement to deal with issues that are unique to seniors.
This group is dedicated to educating the public as to their concerns and fostering good community/law enforcement relations. TRIAD sessions usually run about an hour and a half which includes the speaker's presentation and questions from the audience. It's an informal atmosphere. There are usually about 25 - 30 in attendance with a mix of civilians and law enforcement personnel. Recent speakers have included a regional medical examiner, an identity theft investigator, a computer forensics investigator, and an expert of human trafficking.
TRIAD has two objectives; reducing crime against seniors, and to reduce the unwarranted fear of crime that the elderly often experience. This is accomplished by providing education to seniors about personal safety issues, addressing crime trends that target seniors, and listening to and acting on the concerns of seniors. TRIAD can also frequently serve as a resource manager to help seniors get the help they need from other government agencies and private organizations.
TRIAD forms a “Seniors and Law Enforcement Together” committee that has between five and seven members. The committee usually includes the Sheriff’s Office, local police departments, and members from the senior community, Social Services, business, religious, and local government. Goodhue County has two TRIAD groups within the County. One is located in Cannon Falls and the other is in Pine Island.
