WHAT IS TRIAD?

TRIAD is community policing initiative between seniors, law enforcement, and service providers to increase safety through education and crime prevention.

Citizens Police Academy-

In September 2004, we held our first Citizen Police Academy.  The class was held once a week for 3 hours each and taught by several different instructors including Joe Pierapan from the District Attorneys’ Office, Chief Larry Higgins, Officer Deanna Strout, Officer Jeff Coe, Officer George Adams,  and Susan Dowling from the Elizabeth Freeman Center.  The class was able to demonstrate how difficult Officers jobs can be in certain situations and what steps Officers have to rectify the situation.

Anyone interested in information regarding the Citizen Police Academy please contact Officer John Thibodeau at the Dalton Police Department. 

THE S.A.L.T. COUNCIL

(Seniors and Law Enforcement Together)
TRIAD on the community level is implemented by a S.A.L.T. Council composed of:

• Seniors
• Police, sheriff and district attorney representatives
• Protective service personnel
• Council on Aging director
• Other community support persons

It is the S.A.L.T. Council's responsibility to determine the needs of the community's senior population, and to coordinate inititatives to meet those needs.

What do TRIADS do?

1. Empower: Seniors provide the leadership on the S.A.L.T. Council and in determining its direction.
2. Educate: Information on criminal activity and prevention is compiled and made available.
3. Communicate: Material is distributed through work shops, newsletters, and other media.
4. Reach Out: Visitation is provided to increase security to isolated seniors.
5. Forge Links: Bridges to civic organizations are facilitated to improve assessment and services.
6. Advocate: Seniors interact with government leaders to affect legislative planning.

What Can Result?

1. Improved relations between seniors and police.
2. Increased cooperation between law enforcement and service providers.
3. Reduced criminal victimization through increased awareness.
4. Enhanced quality of life for seniors characterized by a reduction in fear and increased confidence.
5. Expanded knowledge of services available to seniors.
6. Greater senior involvement through volunteering.
7. Enhanced self esteem resulting from an ability to affect change and to improve the community.
8. More understanding of policing procedures through participation in citizen police academics.

DALTON TRIAD

• Monthly meetings of S.A.L.T. Council held third Wednesday, 2:30PM at Dalton V.F.W.

Dalton TRIAD Initiatives

• Formation of S.A.L.T. Council
• Information programs on personnel and home safety, scams, and frauds.
• Trained volunteers for home security inspections.
• Availability of personnel and home security inspections.
• Home visitation program.
• Initiation of TRIAD Televison program over Dalton Community Cable Channel 3.
• Safety and Health Fair.
• Neighborhood Watch Groups.

Contact:

Dalton Council on Aging: 413-684-2000