April 5, 2006

Triad Program Set To Launch In Stonington April 18

People's Bank, local law enforcement and senior groups join together to reduce crime against the elderly

BRIDGEPORT, CONN. - People's Bank will help launch the Stonington TRIAD - a program that reduces criminal victimization of the elderly and enhances the delivery of law enforcement services to seniors - on Tuesday, April 18 at Stonington High School located at 176 South Broad Street. The event, set to begin at 10 a.m., will feature Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, People's Bank Masters Program Manager and Coordinator of Connecticut TRIAD Angela DeLeon, Stonington Chief of Police David P. Erskine, Lieutenant Darren Stewart, Stonington First Selectman William S. Brown, Stonington Human Services Director Beth-Ann Stewart, Vice President and Market Manager at People's Bank Mark Woods and Maryann Bessette of the Stonington Commission on Aging. A TRIAD candle-lighting ceremony will mark the official launch of the program.

"One in every eight Americans is 65 or older, and law enforcement agencies are adjusting to meet the needs of this country's changing demographics," DeLeon said. "People's Bank is proud to partner with law enforcement to initiate crime prevention and awareness programs for senior citizens."

"More than ever in our high-tech age, TRIAD is vital in protecting senior citizens from financial exploitation and fraud," Blumenthal said. "I have enthusiastically advocated this program town by town, across the entire state, and will continue to do so. My office will continue to vigorously investigate and pursue fraud and scams targeting our senior citizens, who become our eyes and ears through TRIAD programs. Prevention is always key - through consumer education and awareness."

The National Association of TRIADS Inc. is a national organization created to develop, expand and implement effective crime prevention and education programs for seniors. People's Bank, the Stonington Police Department and the Stonington Senior Center are working together to sponsor the TRIAD program on the local level. People's Masters Program is recognized nationally for its leadership in initiating crime prevention and awareness programs for senior citizens. People's Bank is the leading financial services organization in the country providing crime prevention and awareness training to seniors.

Founded in 1842, People's Bank (peoples.com) is one of Connecticut's largest banks with assets of $11 billion, more than 240 ATMs and 153 branches, 70 of which offer convenient seven-day banking in Super Stop & Shop locations across the state. A diversified financial services company, People's Bank provides consumer, commercial, insurance, retail investment and trust services to personal and business banking customers. People's Bank is the official banking partner of the University of Connecticut Division of Athletics. For more information about People's, its products and services, please call 800-772-1090, visit peoples.com or any of People's branches.