What is S.A.L.T.?

With the senior’s population continuing to grow, rising concerns about their safety and well-being must be addressed.

The Halton Regional Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police, in co-operation with the Elderly Service Advisory Committee of Halton Regional have established a program designed to meet the needs of senior citizens in the region.

This program will address crime related and public related issues which affect the elderly.

An advisory council has been established to give direction to the program. This group consists of seniors and of persons providing services to seniors. This group assists the police service in determining the needs and concerns of the elderly and in suggesting ways to respond to those needs. This group is called S.A.L.T. – Seniors and Law Enforcement Together.

The effect of this initiative should be to give the seniors of Halton a police service that is sensitive to their needs and effective in carrying out its mandate.

The integration of this program takes place at the TRIAD level. That is: at the level of the Deputy Chief of the Halton Regional Police Service, the District Superintendent of the Ontario Provincial Police and the designated member of the Elderly Services Advisory Committee.

What are the objectives of this program?

• Reduce Criminal Victimization of the elderly
• Enhance delivery of law enforcement services to the elderly
• Increase support of law enforcement operations and efforts
• Increase awareness of the available services for the elderly, including the scope of the crime prevention and
  victim assistance programs
• Improve quality of life for the elderly
• Provide appropriate attention to the fears and concerns of the elderly; reduce unwarranted fears
• Increase sensitivity of law enforcement officials to difficulties experienced by the elderly
• Increase involvement among the elderly population in the planning, development and execution of strategies and programs to help meet their needs
• Encourage greater involvement from the community in implementing solutions
• Improve communication networks between communities

Goals of the S.A.L.T. Council:

The senior Advisory Council (SALT) is designed to work as a “sounding board” for the purpose of making recommendations to law enforcement agencies to address crime related issues, which affect the elderly. The Council recommends program’s to assist seniors, including the many opportunities to involve volunteers in the achievement of its objectives. Council members can be an important part of the law enforcement’s linkage with the community.

Objectives of the S.A.L.T. Council:

• Council members to serve as an ongoing advisory group to TRIAD members
• Identify crime-related trends and perceptions of seniors
• Survey seniors’ groups and seek input on their concerns for safety and security
• Look at existing programs designed to meet local needs of seniors
• Prioritize the needs in terms of recommendations for expansion of existing programs
• Aid in the planning and implementation of programs
• Assist in monitoring and assessing the impact of TRIAD initiatives
• Continue to assist in adjusting and adapting the program to the needs of the community

Summary

At a time when there are increasing numbers of seniors in the population, society is less able to respond to their needs in an effective, caring way.

As a consequence, special programs need to be put in place to make sure that seniors do not become ignored, or even worse, become victims of society’s current problems.

For further Information please call
Community Relations
Halton Regional Police Service (905) 825-4777