TRIAD
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 Kevin Dofflemyer
Rockingham County TRIAD
Rockingham County Sheriff's Office
25 S. Liberty St.
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
[540] 564-3800; FAX [540] 564-3865
kdofflemyer@rockinghamcountyva.gov
