TRIAD

The Triad Program was first conceived as a community policing movement in the late 1980's. In
1988, representatives from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and the National Sheriff's Association (NSA), came together in a meeting with the goal of reducing the criminal victimization and provide programs and forums to enhance the quality of life of older persons. This is still the goal of this organization.

The word TRIAD is not an acronym, it represents the coming together of the three groups, the AARP, the Sheriff's (NSA) and Local Law Enforcement (IACP) who set up the goals and objectives of the program. On a local and State-wide basis we have adopted the following as a working definition for TRIAD (The Right Information and Direction).

The TRIAD program in Hancock County is administered by Sheriff Ricky Adam and the Hancock County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Adam has retained Lynn Jones to facilitate the program. Jones coordinates a group of fantastic senior citizen volunteers to form what is called the SALT Council (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together). This group consists of approximately fifteen persons from throughout Hancock County.

The Salt Council serves as the advisory group and conducts the business for the Hancock County TRIAD programs. This group consists of Law Enforcement Officials, Clergy, Health Care Professionals, Business Community, Service or membership organizations such as AARP and RSVP; also local agencies working with seniors, such as adult protective services, aging network, and senior citizens from our community. The Council meets every third Tuesday of the month, 10 AM, at the Hancock County Sheriff's Office located at 8450 Highway 90, Bay St. Louis, MS.

The Council pursues issues and activities appropriate for our community and the needs of Seniors in our area. TRIAD programs consist of up to date information on topics such as crime prevention efforts in the community, medical alerts, updated information on Medicare and Medicaid, reverse mortgages and much, much more. Professional speakers present the updated information along with providing valuable information and materials for our participants. While these programs are being presented a full meal is provided along with giveaways and door prizes. This is all "free" to all senior citizens in Hancock County.

Individual assessment forms are passed out to participants and we ask that you fill these out.  They provide valuable information to the SALT Council for topics for future meetings. They also give information to Law Enforcement that enables them to address areas of concern to our senior citizens in the crime prevention effort County-wide.

The TRIAD operates on funds provided by a State Grant which is renewed each year. These monies are used exclusively for senior citizens in Hancock County which include the luncheons, door prizes, special events and the programs put on during the year. Participation in these programs has increased tremendously, with some events involving as many as 200+ participants. While this program is geared toward citizens fifty years of age and above, we encourage any citizen, business owner/designee or other entity that is interested in the goals of this organization to join our group. We do not ask for or solicit any monies from individuals, businesses or others to participate, only to assist us in providing information to our senior citizens which will help in approving their quality of life.

TRIAD programs are usually scheduled for every second or third month of the year, depending on budgetary constraints. We do not schedule any programs during the months of December or August. All programs are advertised through local media, local businesses, churches, etc. If you would like to participate or become a member of our SALT Council, please contact the Hancock County Sheriff's Office at 466-6900 and ask for TRIAD Officer Frank McNeil, or leave your name and phone number and your call will be returned.