Crime Free Multi-Housing Program

In an effort to improve the quality of life and reduce crime and blight from commercial and private rental properties the City of Richmond Police Department has established a Crime-Free Multi-Housing Program.


The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program is a state-of-the-art crime prevention program designed to reduce crime, drugs, and gangs on apartment properties. This program was successfully developed at the Mesa Arizona Police Department in 1992. The International Crime Free Multi-Housing Program has spread to nearly 2,000 cities in 44 U.S. states.


The program consists of three phases that must be completed under the supervision of the local police department. Property managers can become individually certified after completing training in each phase and the property becomes certified upon successful completion of all three phases.


The anticipated benefits are reduced police calls for service, a more stable resident base, and reduced exposure to civil liability.


Training Coordinator


The program begins with the training of a law enforcement agency coordinator who will administer the program in their jurisdiction. Each Crime Free Multi-Housing Coordinator receives 24-hours of intensive training and becomes certified as an instructor of the program. The Crime Free Program Coordinators return to their cities and begin to provide training and certify apartment properties in their community. Fully certified properties have reported reductions in police calls for service up to 70% over previous years. The heart and soul of the program is in the correct implementation and use of the Crime Free Lease Addendum.
 

Crime Free Multi-Housing Program Benefits:


 In some communities where the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program has been implemented, it has shown a reduction of crime up to 70%.  Additionally, some of the other benefits include:

  • Lower maintenance and repair costs 
  • Increased property values 
  • Improved personal safety for tenants, landlords, and managers 
  • A stable, more satisfied tenant base 
  • Increased demand for rental units with a reputation for active management 


Costs of Drug Activity In Rental Property

When drug criminals and other destructive tenants operate out of rental property, neighborhoods suffer and landlords pay a high price. That price may include:

  • Decline in property values—particularly when the activity begins affecting the reputation of the neighborhood 
  • Property damage arising from abuse, retaliation, or neglect; property damage from police raids 
  • Fire resulting from manufacturing or growing operations 
  • Civil penalties, including temporary closure of the property or even property seizure 
  • Loss of rent during the eviction and repairs period 
  • Fear and frustration when dealing with dangerous and threatening tenants 
  • Increased resentment and anger between neighbors and property managers 
  • The loss of other valued tenants 


Here is a brief outline of the program contents:


 

The program has three phases:

PHASE ONE:

Resident managers and/or Owners attend a one day seminar presented by the police department.  Topics include:
  • Crime Prevention Concepts 
  • Preparing and Maintaining the Property 
  • Applicant Screening 
  • Working Together with Police 
  • Residential Tenancy Act 
  • Combating Illegal Activities 


PHASE TWO:


 The rental properties must meet minimum security standards. The Richmond Police Department will conduct a security evaluation of the property and make recommendations. The following minimum standards must be met before advancing:
  • A good quality deadbolt must be on all suite doors. The bolt must be minimum 1-inch in length and the hole in the frame must be the same size as the bolt, for a tight fit. 
  • Strike plates on wood-framed doors must be secured with a 3-inch screw into the stud. 
  • All suite doors must have eye viewers (prefer 180-190 degrees, 65 inches from the floor). 
  • Sliding doors and windows require secondary locks, in addition to functioning primary locks, in all ground level and easily accessible suites. 
  • The trees and shrubs must be pruned to allow a clear view of the property. Trees should be limbed to 6-feet off the ground and shrubs should be no higher than 3-feet. 
  • Adequate lighting in and around the building. Lighting is the most effective crime prevention tool around when used properly. 
  • Graffiti must be removed. 
  • The property must be clean and properly maintained. 

PHASE THREE:

 
 The owner/manager will host an annual Safety Social for their residents to involve them in preventing crime on the property and to get involved in the community.
  • A representative from the Richmond Police Crime Prevention Program will be in attendance to explain the program and offer crime prevention tips. 
 Following the completion of all three phases the management will earn the privilege to post signs stating they have joined the Richmond Crime Free Multi-Housing Program and may use the CFMHP logo for marketing purposes.
 
 After a property is fully certified, it is necessary for management to host one safety-related crime prevention meeting with the residents each year to renew their membership in the Crime Free Multi-Housing program.
 
 If you are interested in participating in this partnership please contact Michelle Milam through her contact information below.
 

Contact Information


 

Program Administrator

Captain T. Simmons
     510-620-6990 
    Tuesday - Friday
     7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
    Email
 

Program Manager


 Lieutenant M. Stonebraker
     510-965-4917
    Monday - Thursday
      6:00 AM to 4:00 PM 
    Email
 

Program Manager


 M. Milam 
     510-620-6538
    Monday - Friday
     10:00 AM to 6:00 PM 
    Email
 

Program Coordinator


 Sergeant L. Joseph
     510-621-1815
    Friday - Sunday
     6:30 AM to 7:00 PM