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LAW PARTNERS Seniors teaming with officers to fight crime Staff Writer Starting in 2009, Crow Wing County senior citizens will have a partnership with local law enforcement.
Triad of Crow Wing County is a three-way commitment by law enforcement, senior citizens and local businesses to work together to reduce senior victimization and enhance the delivery of law enforcement services to older people
Though still in the planning stage, Triad seminars are expected to include protecting against identity theft, fraud, computer and mail scams; personal safety; medical advice; and transportation issues.
"We're seeing a lot more people becoming involved, being more at ease with calling in things that happen in their areas," Crow Wing County Sheriff Todd Dahl said. "Communication between law enforcement, seniors citizens and communities is vitally important. This will help."
By 2030, more than 25 percent of Crow Wing County's population will be 65 and older. That statistic, Dahl said, is what led to he and Crow Wing County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Debi Backdahl to talk about how they could address the issues and concerns of senior citizens.
"We talked about reducing the fear of crime senior citizens experience out there," Backdahl said. "When we go out and talk to them, they're very concerned about that, how to protect themselves and their families."
The first step in getting Triad of Crow Wing County up and running was the formation of the Seniors and Law Enforcement Together advisory council. Represented by police and sheriff's department personnel, the Lakes Area Senior Activity Center, RSVP and others, the group has been meeting this year to form the direction and programs for Triad of Crow Wing County.
"I think as senior demographics grow in the community and as much as the trend is to do more things online, I think Triad is going to be huge," said DeAnn Barry, director of the Lakes Area Senior Activity Center. "Sometimes seniors don't know anything is wrong until it's too late. Learning how to correct that, how to safeguard themselves from having that happen, that's going to be huge."
Backdahl said the advisory council is important because it represents many different communities, each with their own issues.
"They hear what senior citizens would like to have as far as education goes. That's what we're focusing on, what seniors want," Backdahl said. "Triad doesn't have to focus on law enforcement. There's so many things out there."
The Cass County Triad has been in existence for about 15 years, and Cass County Sheriff's Administrative Assistant Pauline Fahey said the program has been a success.
In addition to seminars on protecting against fraud and theft, Fahey said Cass County Triad most recently has started a 911 cell phone bank and the Yellow Dot Program, where seniors can place yellow dots on their car windshields or front door to notify medical personnel of that person's medical card.
In return, senior citizens have helped Cass County law enforcement, Fahey said.
"They keep eye on what's going on out there and feel comfortable coming to law enforcement with questions or if they see something that doesn't look quite right," Fahey said. "We're really glad Crow Wing is starting one up."
Anyone interested in becoming a member of the advisory council or Triad, or to offer services to the group, can contact Backdahl at 829-4749.
MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.
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