The Waterford Police Department is a participating member in the Triad senior citizens safety model. The Waterford Police Department’s Triad contact Officer is Robert Edwards, contact him at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The vulnerability of some of its members sets the senior population apart from other age groups also concerned about crime. This requires an innovative community-wide approach to the singular problem of the elderly and crime. Fortunately, large numbers of active and capable older adults are willing to invest time and energy in the community-wide approach known as Triad.

Triad is the agreement of the law enforcement agencies and older or retired persons in the community to work together in a spirit of cooperation to reduce the criminal victimization of the elderly. Triad is a joint approach to crime issues that affect senior citizens, and the enhanced delivery of law enforcement services to these individuals.

Triad was first conceived in 1988 when representatives from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and the National Sheriffs' Association (NSA) came together and agreed to partner to help ensure senior safety. The following year, 1989, the first Triad was signed in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana. Since then, more than 775 counties have accepted the Triad model as an effective method of joining law enforcement officials and seniors for the purpose of lessening crime. In many counties, the Triad agreement is signed and each community forms its own. 

Triad’s concept consists of five facts:
1. Educate: Sponsor crime prevention, victim/witness programs, and safety for older persons.
2. Assist: Recruit and train volunteers to assist the police department.
3. Emphasize: Staff reassurance programs for older persons to reduce fear and provide moral support.
4. Communicate: Provide a forum for public safety and the community to share needs and concerns—and develop solutions.
5. Involve: Unite seniors and public safety entities to identify problem areas for seniors in the local community—to develop and implement community-wide solutions.

The goal and primary benefit of the Waterford Police Department Triad is the reduction of crime against the elderly and the personal safety of our senior citizens.