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The Rockingham County TRIAD
is a three-way effort among the Rockingham County Sheriff, the
police chiefs of Harrisonburg, Bridgewater, Broadway, Dayton, Elkton, Grottoes,
Timberville, members of the American Association of Retired People
[AARP] and older/retired leadership in our area.
In May of 1999, these
groups met and signed an agreement to work together to reduce the
criminal victimization of older citizens and enhance the delivery
of law enforcement services to this population. TRIAD provides an
opportunity for the exchange of information between law
enforcement and senior citizens. It focuses on reducing
unwarranted fear of crime and improving the quality of life for
seniors. TRIAD is governed by a senior advisory council.
Why is a TRIAD necessary?
Older Americans make up the most rapidly-growing segment of the
population. With the Year 2000 Census, it is expected that
Rockingham County will have in excess of 14,400 individuals 55 years
of age and 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. Calls
for service, crimes, victims--all are changing.
How Did the National TRIAD
Get Started?
The AARP, 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 person.
The three national
organizations agreed that police chiefs, sheriffs, older leaders,
and those who work with seniors, could devise better ways to
reduce crime against the elderly and enhance law enforcement
services to older citizens. This, they believe, is true community
policing, providing better service to a population which
appreciates, respects and supports law enforcement.
Who Carries Out TRIAD
Activities?
The senior advisory council is the key component for the success
of this TRIAD. It is the advocacy/advisory group and provides a
forum for the exchange of information between seniors and law
enforcement.
Council members
include representatives of the Sheriff's Office, the various
police departments, AARP, retirement communities and other
agencies involved in, or interested in, helping the elderly. The
advisory council developed a comprehensive survey to assess the
needs of the Rockingham County community. With this information,
the council will develop ways to meet the needs.
What Can TRIAD Do?
The advisory council plans
activities and programs which will involve and benefit both law
enforcement and seniors. The Rockingham County TRIAD sponsors
- crime prevention
programs for older persons
- information on how
to avoid criminal victimization
- expanded involvement
in Neighborhood Watch
- home security
information and inspections
- personal safety
tips.
For more information on TRIAD,
contact
Sergeant Clayton Justice
Rockingham County TRIAD
Rockingham County Sheriff's Office
25 S. Liberty St.
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
[540] 564-3800; FAX [540]
564-3865
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