The Triad Program

Overview

The Triad program represents a proactive and collaborative approach to improving public safety and reducing crime victimization among older adults. Triad is a unique alliance between law enforcement agencies, older community members, Councils on Aging, and Aging Services Access Points, like Access Care Partners, as well as other aging services providers. Triad is designed to address the specific vulnerabilities that older adults may face. Through education, outreach, and relationship-building, Triad fosters trust and promotes a safer environment where older residents can feel confident and empowered. “The goal,” said Elizabeth Rodrigues of the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department Triad Program, “is to empower seniors to live safe, healthy lifestyles.”

A Brief History of Triad

Established in 1988, Triad is a national initiative co-sponsored by three influential organizations: AARP, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA). These groups recognized a growing need to tailor crime prevention strategies to meet the needs of the aging population. The Triad model was created to encourage partnerships at the local level, with sheriffs, police departments, and community stakeholders working together to reduce crime and fear of crime.

Over the years, Triad programs have been adopted in hundreds of counties across the United States, including in Hampden and Hampshire Counties where the Sheriff’s Departments have developed active and impactful Triad initiatives. Local Triad groups often include advisory councils known as SALTs (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together), which help guide programming and identify community priorities. Hampshire County, Massachusetts was the first in the state to develop a Triad/ SALT council in Amherst in 1992, which consists of police, fire, sheriff, district attorney, older adults, councils on aging personnel, protective services personnel, and representatives from civic groups. The majority of communities in Hampshire County now have formalized S.A.L.T. councils.

Key Benefits of TRAID

The Triad program brings a wide range of benefits to older adults, addressing not just physical safety but also emotional well-being, social engagement, and access to critical resources.

Crime Prevention and Safety Education Triad offers a variety of educational workshops and seminars that focus on crime prevention topics relevant to older adults, such as fraud, scams, identity theft, elder abuse and personal safety, and home security. These sessions are typically led by law enforcement officers and subject-matter experts, providing trustworthy, actionable information. The Hampden County Triad Speaker Series features trained deputies meeting with groups to address topics such as domestic violence and scams, directly equipping older adults with the knowledge they need to stay safe.
Reduction in Fear of Victimization Fear of crime can have a serious impact on the quality of life of older adults, leading to isolation and anxiety. Triad initiatives work to reduce these fears through transparency, open dialogue, and increased visibility of supportive law enforcement presence. In Hampden County, daily telephone reassurance calls through the “Are You OK?” program offer consistent peace of mind for older adults living alone, demonstrating how law enforcement stays actively connected with community members.
Improved Communication and Trust: By building bridges between law enforcement and older community members, Triad fosters stronger relationships and mutual respect.
Access to Services and Resources: Triad often serves as a gateway to a broader network of community supports. “We connect seniors with community services,” said Rodrigues. “If we don’t offer it, we can connect you with someone who does.” In Hampden County, Triad services include:
Are You Ok: A daily check-in for individuals living alone to ensure they are well. If they don’t check in, the office will call them. “If there is no contact, and we try a couple of times,” said Rodrigues, “we reach out to their designated emergency contact or, in many cases, their emergency contact is the local police department, and we call them to do a wellness check.”
Project Lifesaver: A tracking system for individuals with cognitive conditions who are at risk of wandering. “This is a whole program itself,” said Rodrigues. “It can be for people with dementia or down syndrome who are prone to wander and get lost. They wear a tracker bracelet on their wrist or ankle and we can find them.” A new expansion of Project Lifesaver was announced in Chicopee and will launch officially on June 11, 2025. The program is a collaboration between the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office and Chicopee public safety departments. Mayor Vieau described it as a source of “peace of mind for families,” underscoring its impact on vulnerable residents. Members of the Chicopee Police and Fire Departments have completed training to support the program’s rollout.
Is Your Number Up: A house number visibility program to aid emergency responders. “If you’re driving at night and can’t see your house number,” said Rodrigues, “neither can ambulance, fire or police officers.”
Senior Home Safety Inspection: A certified 240-point home safety and accessibility assessment to prevent falls and accidents, and ensure your home is safe for your needs.
Car Seat Installation Checks:“If you have young children,” said Rodrigues, “we can check that your car seat is properly installed.”
Hampden County Life Files: A magnetic sleeve placed on a refrigerator containing critical health information for first responders.
Sand for Seniors: Seasonal delivery of sand buckets to reduce fall risk in icy conditions.

Except for Project Lifesaver, all services are free and accessible by calling the Hampden County Triad Division.

Conclusion The Triad program exemplifies what is possible when communities prioritize inclusion, partnership, and proactive safety efforts for older adults. By nurturing collaboration between law enforcement and community members, Triad not only deters crime but also fosters resilience, connection, and dignity. As the population of older adults continues to grow, programs like Triad will play an increasingly vital role in creating communities that are safe, informed, and compassionate.