The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program
The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program is now available in Greensboro! The program consists of three phases through which a multi-family rental property progresses to reach full certification:
- An eight-hour seminar for on-site managers and office staff, during which they receive information from the Greensboro Police Department, as well as several other City of Greensboro departments, that they can use to operate a better, safer community.
- An on-site Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) survey of their property. The CPTED assesses proper lighting, landscaping, and individual unit security features.
- A resident social, during which the residents receive information on the program and how it works. In addition, they receive information on what they need to do to increase the success of the program, as well as what will be done by the managers and police.
The next workshop is scheduled for September 9, 2008. For registration information, contact Officer Jeff Carter at (336) 373-7706. Only properties within the city limits of Greensboro are eligible for this program.
History of the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program
The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program was developed by the Mesa (Arizona) Police Department in 1992 after studies showed that residents of rental communities are less likely to get involved in crime prevention for reasons that may include a lack of monetary investment in the property and a lack of long-term plans for residency.
The Mesa PD believed that by addressing even just one of the three elements necessary for a crime to be committed (target, desire and opportunity), they could reduce the likelihood of crime. By addressing all three, they believed the impact would be more profound. They were right.
As the program progressed, residents in the multi-family community quickly lost the desire to commit crimes.
Read more about the program in Mesa, Arizona.