Community Affairs
Events
The health and safety of our citizens is our primary concern. As long as COVID-19 remains a threat to public safety, we will adhere to best practice guidelines set forth by medical experts, and continue to follow directives coming from the Governor’s Office. All public events have been temporarily postponed.
Watch this space and like us on Facebook for special event updates as they become available.
Services
The Community Affairs Division of the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office is the primary link between the Sheriff’s Office and the residents of the City of Portsmouth. The innovative programs offered by the Community Affairs Division foster rich and sustainable partnerships between our office and the populations we serve.
The Community Services Unit consists of the following:
- The Senior Unit
- TRIAD Program
- Youth Services Unit
- D.A.R.E.
- Project Lifesaver
Senior Unit
This Unit serves our community’s older adult population. Through educational programs focused on healthy living strategies, and by connecting them with a range of direct services, the Sheriff’s Office Senior Unit works to ensure that every person has the resources needed to live an active and vibrant life.
TRIAD
TRIAD (Talk, Respond, Involve, Assist, Deter) is a program sponsored by the Portsmouth Sheriff Department’s Senior Unit. It’s focused on enhancing the lives of our city’s older citizens by empowering them to plan for life’s changes. The initiative empowers older adults to devise helpful life strategies through a series of user-designed programs and activities. TRIAD focuses on elder abuse prevention by helping seniors develop plans for latter year life stages, and by developing reliable support networks. TRIAD is a collaborative effort involving law enforcement, older adults, and related organizations.
Youth Services
In tandem with our dedicated community partners, the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office Youth Services Unit addresses the complex issues surrounding youth violence and delinquency. By creating opportunities for dialog, and by developing appropriate interventions, we prepare Portsmouth’s young women and men to lead their best lives.
D.A.R.E.
The D.A.R.E. Program’s primary mission is to teach students critical decision-making skills so they’ll be equipped to lead safe and healthy lives. Taught by our law enforcement officers, the program is designed to enhance social skills, boost self-esteem, and provide tools to help young people make responsible decisions. The curriculum includes lessons on the dangers of drug abuse, resisting peer pressure, and taking a stand against bullying.
Project Lifesaver
Project Lifesaver is a program dedicated to protecting members of our population whose risk of wandering away from home or a medical facility is elevated. Using radio frequency technology, at-risk individuals such as persons with Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, Autism, Epilepsy, Down Syndrome, or other related illnesses can be easily located should they become lost or disoriented.
Here’s how it works: A Project Lifesaver law enforcement team member will attach a radio transmitter device to the wrist or ankle of the at-risk individual. The radio transmitter then emits a constant, yet inaudible pulse that can be picked up by a Public Safety Officer’s receiver. Monitored 24-7, Project Lifesaver’s transmitters ensure that loved ones remain safe and secure.
For more information about specific programs, please contact us.