By Renee Worthing 

Staff Writer

Sanford police officers spent about an hour talking to local seniors about safeguarding their privacy during the first Seniors & Law Enforcement Together (S.A.L.T.) seminar July 22.

Sanford Police Maj. Craig Sanford and officer Sarah Roberts encouraged those in attendance to be vigilant when answering their telephones, opening their doors or reading their mail. 

The goal of the seminar was to educate seniors about protecting their identity and empowering them against intimidation and aggressive sales practices, financial exploitation, and unsolicited mail.

Goodall Hospital Senior Advocate Michelle Matt said insurance agents cannot visit a home uninvited and solicitors must have a permit.

“Seniors are most at risk of financial exploitation,” she said.

Sanford advised the seniors to use common sense.

“The bank already has your date of birth and your account number,” Sanford said. “Don’t give that information out over the phone or in an email.”

Sanford Police Chief Thomas Connolly said many scams that target seniors employ harmful psychology.

“They know some seniors are alone,” he said. “They play off that.”

He also said Lifeline, a personal alarm system, is an excellent resource for seniors who feel they are in danger.

“If you have any problems, you just push that button,” he said. “Lifeline calls back and if there is no answer, they will send the police.”

Officials encouraged seniors to call the police any time they thought there was “something wrong.”

“Don’t be afraid, that’s what we’re here for,” Sanford said.

Seniors had an opportunity to ask officers questions ranging from concerns about skateboarders riding in the road to “Would I really get a ticket for making a right turn out of McDonalds parking lot onto Tebbetts Avenue?”

Shapleigh resident Charlotte Tibbetts said the seminar was interesting and she liked the question and answer session. She said she would like a segment on legal assistance for seniors in the future.

Matt said she was pleased with the seminar and hopes to host another, with a focus on legal assistance, in September.

According to a 2005 survey, seniors in the community indicated their biggest concern is falling victim to fraud or con artists.

In response to the survey, the S.A.L.T. council was organized in an effort to empower seniors.

The council, comprised of various officials in law enforcement, including Sanford Police Detective Paul Shaw, Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Rowe and other service providers, strives to reach out to seniors and address their concerns.

The S.A.L.T. council meets from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. every third Tuesday of the month at the Trafton Center on Elm Street in Sanford. 

For more information, call Matt at 490-7606.