The Crime-Free Multi-Housing Program began in Mesa, Arizona in 1992. The program was introduced in Northglenn in 1996. This comprehensive training program is intended to assist landlords in both multi-housing and single-family rental properties, in making their properties safer and more attractive to tenants, while keeping the criminal element out.
The program consists of three phases. The first phase is an eight-hour training session with the police department, fire department and an attorney, along with other guest speakers who may have expertise relating to rental properties. At this training session, a CD-ROM with the complete Northglenn Crime-Free Multi-Housing manual is distributed to interested parties. The second phase consists of a trained police officer evaluating the property using the principles of CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design), and making suggestions to enhance security and physical appearance of the property. The property must meet the minimum standards to pass a CPTED inspection. CPTED standards may be found in the Crime-Free Multi-Housing manual. The third phase of the program is a “Safety Social” with the residents of the property that is sponsored by the management and the local law enforcement agency. This gives the management and police department an opportunity to educate residents about the program and offer crime prevention tips.
Upon completion of each phase of the program, a certificate is issued to the property by the police department. A fourth certificate is issued stating the property is fully certified. This certificate expires one year from the certification date. The certificates may then be displayed in the leasing office or front office of the property. A property must successfully complete all phases of the program to become fully certified. A yearly re-certification is required for all fully certified properties, consisting of a safety social at the property.
Once a property is fully certified, they have a right to post the Crime-Free Multi-Housing Program signs on the property. The signs are available at the expense of the property owner. The signs are posted in such a manner that prospective tenants can see them, either at entrances to the property or inside the leasing office, or both. The Crime-Free Multi-Housing Program training and all included materials are FREE to interested property owners, managers and workers. The program promotes active management and an ongoing rapport with the police department to address current and potential problems.
For more information on Crime Free Multi-Housing, please contact the Northglenn Police Department at 303-450-8893. |
