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Protecting Senior Citizens Against Crime
Regardless of the circumstances, however, most older people say
they worry about crime. Many fear becoming victims of crime. As
a group, older people can be a powerful and active force. As
individuals, they often can be vulnerable and may need help.
Older people can be vulnerable to:
1.) Violent crimes-many older people are afraid that they are
easy targets. Aware of their diminished strength and mobility,
they realize that chances of outrunning or fighting off an
attacker would be slim.
2.) Property crimes-burglaries, theft and vandalism can be
especially distressing to older individuals whose security and
well-being are tenuous. The ability to replace stolen or damaged
property may be limited, and their lives may be permanently
affected.
3.) Frauds and scams-some of the elderly can fall victim to
fraudulent schemes and can be favorite targets for con artists.
Often, the amount of money lost can be devastating.
4.) Elder abuse-mistreatment occurs both in domestic and
institutional settings. Abuse does not have to be
physical-passive neglect has left seniors in unclean, poorly
heated housing, existing on inadequate diets.
 The
Triad solution: alone no more!
One of the main reasons that seniors may be vulnerable is that
they are isolated within the community. Lines of communication
break down. Contact with others, including law enforcement
officials, may be infrequent. The Triad approach seeks to
address and resolve this situation.
Triad, developed by national organizations (American Association
of Retired Persons, International Association of Chiefs of
Police, and National Sheriffs' Association), is organized and
operated at the county level.
Triad means:
A three-way commitment among the chief(s) of police in a county,
the sheriff and older and retired leaders.
An agreement to work together to reduce criminal victimization
of the elderly.
Dedication to enhancing the delivery of law-enforcement services
to older persons.
How does Triad work?
The core of the operation of Triad is an advisory council
composed of law-enforcement members (county and municipal),
along with older people of the community and people who work
with the elderly. The council acts as an advisory group for the
area's law enforcement personnel on crime and security issues
concerning the elderly. It discusses and recommends programs,
increases communication, and recruits older volunteers to help
with its objectives. These include:
Surveying seniors to determine their crime-related concerns.
Locating or preparing a list of currently available services and
programs for seniors.
Planning and implementing additional crime prevention programs
or services.
Operating an ongoing channel for information exchange between
the community's seniors and law enforcement, as well as
advocating and advising on programs.
Helping seniors become more fully informed about the workings of
the criminal justice system.
Recruiting seniors as volunteers for hands-on action in services
and programs.
What can Triad do?
Assist with strategies to increase crime reporting.
Provide assistance to victims-for moral support, to assist in
access
to personal services and counseling, and to act as a guide
through the criminal justice system.
Offer crime-prevention education addressing personal safety
precautions.
Demonstrate steps to make property less attractive and available
to thieves and vandals.
Develop ways to help detect and stop the abuse of older people,
through "buddy networks" and other programs. Provide abuse
prevention education.
Train seniors about the nature of frauds and scams and how to
recognize those who perpetrate them.
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