From the Centre Daily Times

Centre County Sheriff Denny Nau

Aging Questions and Answers

August 26, 2010 7:50am EDT

Q: I recently heard about Triad and the Citizen Police Academy. What is Triad?

A: Triad is a partnership between law enforcement and the local senior community. The primary goals are to reduce the criminal victimization of older citizens and enhance the delivery of law enforcement services to the senior population.

Triad provides the opportunity for an exchange of information between law enforcement and senior citizens. It focuses on reducing unwarranted fear of crime and improving the quality of life for seniors.

Q: How did Triad start?

A:Triad is an international organization that was started in 1988 with the partnership of the National Sheriffs Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and AARP. The three groups agreed that if the law enforcement organizations worked with the local seniors, they could devise better ways to reduce crimes against the elderly. These three founding organizations provide support to local law enforcement in starting and sustaining local Triads.

In Centre County, Triad was initiated by myself and Susan LeWay, the Centre County RSVP director at the time. In January 1997, a formal agreement was signed by all Centre County police agencies, the county district attorney, the Court of Common Pleas, the director of the Office of Aging, a representative of AARP and a representative of RSVP. These groups agreed to work together to provide various programs to help reduce crimes against the elderly.

Q: What does Triad do?

A:Our Triad members (seniors and law enforcement) work together to bring various educational and crime prevention programs to our citizens. Programs are provided at our monthly Triad meetings as well as an educational forum conducted each year during the month of April.

So far this year, Triad has presented programs on fraud, identification theft, home safety, emergency preparedness, effects of aging on driving, fire prevention, driving safety, and various police procedures. They have visited our county prison and the county 911 center.

Q: What is the Citizens Police Academy?

A: The annual Citizen Police Academy is a Centre County Triad initiative that brings various police procedures and educational programs to our seniors. The academy runs one week in the fall, 8:30 a.m. to noon each day during the week of Sept. 13-17.

A typical academy day would have three speakers covering various facets of law enforcement. Some of the topics for this year’s academy will deal with the local judicial system, the Centre County Drug Task Force, bombs and explosives, FBI resources, the county SWAT team, a K-9 demonstration, and a trip to Scotia Range for a firearms demonstration.

Q: How can I get involved in Triad?

A: Although geared toward seniors, Triad is open to everyone. There is no cost to be a member, just show up and share your ideas. The group meets 10 a.m. to noon on the second Thursday of each month. Meetings usually are held at Centre LifeLink, however at times we may meet at a site related to that month’s speaker and program.

Q: If I need more information about Triad, who can I contact?

A: Get in touch with me, Sheriff Denny Nau, by calling 355-6803 or by e-mailing dbnau@co.centre.pa.us.