POLICE, AARP FORM TRIAD GROUP TO REDUCE VICTIMIZATION OF ELDERLY

Like many aspects of their lives, the elderly have special needs when it comes to law enforcement.

In an effort to better serve that segment of the community, a Triad chapter has been formed in Cape Girardeau County. Triad refers to a three-way partnership between county and municipal law enforcement and the American Association of Retired Persons.

"The fear of being a victim of crime seems to the No. 1 thing the elderly are afraid of," Cape Girardeau County Sheriff John Jordan said.

During a press conference Thursday at Cape Girardeau Police Headquarters, Jordan, Cape Girardeau Police Chief Howard "Butch" Boyd, Jackson Police Chief Marvin Sides and county AARP 4041 president Lindell Randolph signed a pact to establish the Triad chapter.

The first Triad chapter was started in 1988 and chapters have since flourished nationally. The county group is one of the first in Missouri.

To identify the specific needs of senior citizens, a subcommittee called Seniors And Law enforcement Together (SALT) will be formed this month.

"We will constantly be working with the elderly through the SALT team," Jordan said.

Names of community leaders from throughout the county were submitted by Boyd, Jordan and Sides for the group, which will consist of about 15 people from a variety of backgrounds. Input is being sought from area clergy, the business community, service organizations and others.

A variety of programs have proved successful for other Triad chapters. Among those are a victims' assistance program to help elderly crime victims recover. Other programs help inform the elderly of their rights and to help in home security checks.

While crime impacts the elderly in a variety of ways, personal safety is the main concern, Boyd said.

"They want to be safe in their homes and want to be safe when they travel in the community to conduct business," Boyd said.

Added Jordan: "Violence impacts on older persons much greater than on younger persons. The healing process takes much longer, physically and mentally"

Randolph said a conscious effort by law enforcement and the entire community can reduce victimization of the elderly.

"We can protect older people," Randolph said. "If we all lend a hand we may be able to stop someone from overtaking them."