SENIORS AND LAWMEN UNITE TO FIGHT CRIME

There's a myth perpetuated in this country that makes a segment of society live like prisoners in their homes.

These senior citizens stay behind locked doors and windows, coming out only when necessary, fearing they will become victims of crime. An advocacy group called Triad, along with its working arm, the Seniors and Lawmen Together Advisory Council, want to free seniors from their fear.

Formed in October 1995, the local chapter of Triad brought the Cape County sheriff and police chiefs in Jackson and Cape Girardeau together with senior leaders. It is the first and only chapter in the state, and members are ready to take some big steps in protecting seniors.

Grace Hoover, vice chairman of SALT, said the organization's research shows the percentage of senior citizens afraid of being victims is higher than the percentage of those who actually become victims.

"It cuts down on their activity," she said. "They take a lot of precautions that aren't really needed."

To help educate seniors about what they really need to do, the Triad/SALT group will sponsor a visit from J.J. Bittenbinder, a former Chicago homicide detective and nationally recognized expert on crime issues. His nationally syndicated show "Tough Target" was on the air for more than a year.

He will speak at the Show Me Center on Sunday, Sept. 22. The event will be free to the public.

In the meantime, there is much seniors can do to protect themselves, Cape County Sheriff John Jordan said. The best thing to do is communicate with law enforcement officials, and SALT was established to open those lines of communication.

"The elderly are the fastest growing segment of society," Jordan said. "What we have to do in law enforcement is be proactive and look ahead. We want to get out beforehand and have them tell us what their problems are."

Seniors, or anyone else, shouldn't be afraid to call the police if a strange car is driving up and down the street or is someone offers them something that is too good to be true.

In fact, seniors in this area are as likely to be victims of scams as any other kind of crime, Jordan said.

"Just use common sense," he said. "If someone is using high pressure, take a time out."

Another current SALT program designed to help seniors is Enhanced 911. While Cape Girardeau County has the program, it isn't being used to its full potential.

When people call 911, the address from which the call originates and the resident's name are displayed on a computer screen. There is room for more information about callers, but it hasn't been gathered.

A SALT drive to collect such information will change that. Beginning Saturday on Professional Law Enforcement Day at West Park Mall, forms will be distributed. Cape Girardeau County residents may provide information about medical conditions, where spare house keys are, preferred hospitals and more.

With the additional information, first responders can determine what course of action to take upon arrival.

Future SALT-sponsored activities may include a "Safe Night Out," where seniors ride together on a bus to a movie, dinner or shopping center.

The Triad/SALT members have the full support of local law enforcement, who meet with them regularly. The group meets at 10 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at the Cape Girardeau Police Department.

"This goes hand-in-hand with our community-oriented policing -- addressing problems with the aid of citizens," Capt. Steve Strong of the Cape Girardeau Police Department said. "By working with senior citizens, we know we are addressing the problems they have and are finding solutions to those problems."

There are 357 Triad/SALT groups in the United States. To join the local one or for more information, call its chairman, Dr. Bill Bourns, at 651-2687.