Connecticut TRIAD Keeping Older Residents Safe

More than twenty years ago, the unique concept known as Triad was born when AARP, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the National Sheriff’s Association (NSA) signed an agreement to work collaboratively on addressing the crime prevention needs of older citizens.

See Also: How to avoid scams and fraud

Today, Triad includes numerous other organizations and sponsors throughout the country who are working together to educate older citizens about crime and improve the relationship between law enforcement and those they serve.

The Connecticut Triad was formed in 2004 and since then has been working to address the safety needs and concerns of older adults and reduce the fear of crime in communities throughout the state. Their mission is to promote senior safety by providing information and education to prevent crimes before they happen, reduce the fear of crime that older adults often experience and enhance communications between law enforcement and older citizens.

According to Michael Martone of Connecticut’s Office of the Attorney General, older adults tend to have a higher level of trust when dealing with telemarketers, salespeople, contractors, and other strangers. As a result, they often become an easier target for fraud, identity theft and certain scams. In fact, a recent study by the AARP Foundation found that certain behaviors of older people put them more at risk of becoming a victim of fraud and other crimes.

These include:

• Opening and reading all junk mail
  
• Attending free lunch seminars
  
• Entering drawings to win a free prize
  
• Inviting salespeople into the home
  

As a member of the CT Triad Advisory Board, the AARP Connecticut state office helps to design and conduct statewide training for local Triad members, sponsor educational programs and distribute resources and information on avoiding scams and fraud. Current members of the CT Triad Advisory Board also include: The Office of the Attorney General, The Department of Social Services Aging Services Division, People’s United Bank, The CHOICES Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Healthcare Fraud and Abuse Project and the Connecticut Area Agencies on Aging.