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(Last updated:) Monday, February 2, 1998
Triad/S.A.L.T. designed to deliver law enforcement services to senior citizens
The Caddo Parish Triad/S.A.L.T. (Seniors And Lawmen working Together) Council meets at 9 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. The council works to reduce the criminal victimization of the elderly.
The Triad agreement, initiated in Caddo Parish in October 1993, is designed to enhance the delivery of law enforcement services to senior citizens. The agreement was reaffirmed in October 1996. Caddo Parish Sheriff's Deputy Doris Swift is the parishwide Triad coordinator. She may be contacted by telephone at 226-6794.
"Triad" means a three-way commitment and partnership among the Sheriff's Office, Police Department and senior citizens. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the Caddo Council on Aging represent the elderly in the Triad.
The Triad works to improve the quality of life for seniors. By providing an opportunity for the exchange of information between law enforcement and older persons, Triad also focuses on reducing unwarranted fear of crime.
A major purpose of the Triad is to develop, expand and implement effective crime prevention and education programs for senior citizens. Activities center on both pre- and post-victimization programs.
Pre-victimization programs emphasize a wide variety of ways senior citizens can help prevent crime in their homes and neighborhoods. The Sheriff's Office offers a number of educational programs designed for senior citizens. Along with Sheriff Don Hathaway's Senior Citizen Academy, the Sheriff's Office is an active participant in a number of community events conducted for the elderly. The Sheriff's Office also provides crime prevention presentations to school, church, civic, social and community organizations.
Post-victimization programs are designed for victim and/or witness assistance. Among the services provided through the Triad is the Elderly Crime Victims Assistance program, which provides funding to reimburse some losses suffered by elderly crime victims. The funds are made available through a statewide grant.
The Caddo Parish Triad is one of a growing number of programs nationwide. Since July 1992, the number of operating Triads has soared from 56 in 20 states to more than 500 Triads nationwide.