1. What is TRIAD?

Bridgewater TRIAD is a cooperative effort of the Bridgewater Police Department, Bridgewater Fire Department, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department and the Bridgewater Office of Elder Affairs. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and the National Sheriff’s 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 working together they could devise better ways to reduce crimes against the elderly and enhance law enforcement services to older citizens. TRIAD stands for “The Right Information and Direction” and is governed by a Senior Advisory Council, “Seniors and Law Enforcement Together” (S.A.L.T.)

2.  Why have a TRIAD in the community?

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 issues and problems for the criminal justice system as most communities experience a dramatic increase in the number of older persons. Through education, assistance and communication, the program helps local seniors.

3.  What does TRIAD do?

• Educate by sponsoring crime prevention programs for older persons and other safety related programs

• Emphasize staff reassurance programs for older persons to reduce fear and provide for moral support

• Communicate by providing a forum for law enforcement and the community to share needs and concerns – and to develop solutions

Involvement by uniting seniors, sheriffs and local police to identify problem areas for seniors in the local community – to develop and implement community-wide solutions

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