Crime Free Multi-Housing

The Bloomington Crime Free Multi-Housing Program is a partnership between the Police Department, rental property owners and managers, and tenants. The purpose is to provide a safer living environment, and reduce crime and nuisance problems in rental properties.

• Why does this nationwide program work?
• Sponsors
• How to become certified

Why does this nationwide program work?

In 1992, Officer Tim Zehring of the Mesa Police Department developed the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program. Mesa had the same problems as Bloomington. Approximately 30 percent of the city's population lived in mullti-housing. This 30 percent resulted in more than 30 percent of all police calls. The problem was repeat calls to the same apartment, time after time. The program Officer Zehring developed resulted in a dramatic decrease in police activity on rental properties by getting rid of problem tenants and keeping good tenants.

The Bloomington Police Department adopted this program in August 1998. A focus group of apartments were invited to participate. After the first year, these apartments showed an average of 22.8 percent drop in police calls. Some apartments had as much as 51 percent drop in calls. Good news spreads fast! Since then over 60 percent of Bloomington rental communities have joined the program, with new ones joining all the time.

Sponsors

The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program is sponsored by:

• Minnesota Office of the Attorney General.
• Minnesota Chief's of Police Association.
• Minnesota State Sheriffs' Association.

How to become certified

The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program is a unique three phase certification program for rental properties.

Phase One

The first step is the completion of an eight-hour program taught by law enforcement and fire personnel and guest speakers.

The training sessions addresses topics such as:

• Understanding crime prevention.
• C.P.T.E.D. concepts.
• Applicant screening.
• Lease agreements.
• Working with police departments.
• Fire prevention.

Upon completion of the training, participants receive a Green certificate. This certificate belongs to the attendee. If they move to another property, the certification moves with them. For the property to maintain its Phase One certification, another employee must attend the eight-hour training within the next six months. To make things easier, it is recommended that more than one person per property attend the Phase One certification training.

Benefits of Phase One

Once complexes have completed the training they qualify for:

• Police Call Statistics - Routine reports on police activity will be sent to apartment managers.
• Vehicle Registrations - Apartment managers can obtain vehicle registration print outs.
• Criminal History Checks - Past criminal behavior is one of the best indicators of future tenant behavior. Criminal history checks are available through the police department for a minimal charge.
• Alerts- Crime trend alerts will be sent to managers to be posted for tenant awareness.

To qualify for free reports on activity, complexes must have completed Phase 1 of the program.

Training dates

The Bloomington Police Department sponsors training two times a year. Contact the department for dates.

Phase Two

The physical inspection of the property by police officers is the second step. Program guidelines specify seven specific criteria which must be met. They are:

• Single cylinder deadbolt locks with a one-inch throw on each unit door.
• A high security strike plate with a minimum of three-inch screws on each unit door.
• Eye-viewers on each unit's front door with a minimum 180 degree view.
• Anti-lift/slide protection on sliding doors and windows.
• Landscaping for visual sight lines.
• Adequate security lighting.
• Addresses clearly visible on all buildings.

Upon successful completion of Phase Two, complexes will receive a red certificate.

Phase Three

The Neighborhood Watch program is brought to the apartment community. Tenants will be invited to at least one meeting a year to learn crime prevention tips and programs.

Upon successful completion of Phase Three, complexes will receive a blue certificate.

Final Certificate

Upon completion of all three phases the apartment will receive:

• A gold certificate.
• A Crime Free Multi-Housing sign.
• The right to use the Crime Free Multi-Housing logo on all their advertising.

The program must be renewed on an annual basis.

For more information, contact:

Proactive Police Services, Bloomington Police Department
PH: 952-563-4900, FAX: 952-563-4936
E-mail: police@ci.bloomington.mn.us

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