Crime Free Multi-Housing
What is Crime Free Multi-Housing?
The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program is an international crime prevention program designed to reduce crime, drugs and gangs on apartment properties. The program was developed in 1992 by the Mesa Arizona Police Department. The Johnston Police Department has implemented the program and encourages community involvement. The program has proven to be an effective crime prevention tool when fully implemented.
Crime Free Multi-Housing (CFMH) is a program designed to make multi-family dwellings safe and desirable places to live. CFMH is pro-property manager, pro-resident, and anti-crime. The program uses a unique three-phase approach that ensures resident friendly techniques will be applied to maintain crime prevention goals. The three components that make up the program are:
- Management training
- Security assessment
- Resident training/crime watch
BENEFITS OF THE CRIME FREE MULTI HOUSING PROGRAM
Management Benefits:
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A stable, more satisfied resident base
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Increased demand for rental units with a reputation for active management
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Lower maintenance and repair costs
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Increased property values
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Improved personal safety for tenants, managers, and owners
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More time for routine management and less time on crisis control
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More appreciative neighbors
Law Enforcement Benefits:
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Tried and true crime prevention methods
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Proven drop in calls for service by up to 67%
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Improved quality of life for the community at large
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Teaches property managers and residents how to work with police and neighbors to keep drugs and other illegal activity out of rental property
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A community oriented policing approach to crime prevention.
THE THREE PHASES OF THE PROGRAM
Phase One – Management training (Day One training)
Resident managers (and/or property owners) attend an eight-hour seminar presented by police, fire, public housing and others.
Managers learn:
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Use crime prevention on their property
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Benefits of applicant screening
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Tips to strengthen rental agreements and the correct implementation of the Crime Free lease addendum
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How to become a proactive property manager
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How to maintain a fire safe environment
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The warning signs of drug activity
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Actions to take if they suspect illegal activity on their property
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The role of the police
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Crisis resolution and the eviction process
Phase Two – C.P.T.E.D. Inspection (Security Assessment)
This phase will certify that the rental property has met the security requirements for the tenant's safety, which include:
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Dead Bolts on all entry doors
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Security strike plates with 3—inch screws
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180-190 degree eye viewers on all entry doors (peep holes)
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Windows with adequate locks and anti-lift/anti-remove mechanisms for sliding doors
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Adequate security lighting
Phase Three – Safety Social
A meeting is held for the residents where crime watch and crime prevention techniques are discussed. The police, resident managers and residents work together to promote a "community." Topics discussed include:
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