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Where it Began
The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program
began in Mesa Arizona in July of 1992. It has spread
across the Unites States and to Canada in a very short
time. It is designed to be a partnership between law
enforcement, property managers and residents.
How it
Works
The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program is a unique,
three phase certification program for rental properties
of all sizes. The first phase is the completing of
an eight hour program taught by the Sheriff's Office,
Fire Personnel and guest speakers. All managers and
staff of rental properties are encouraged to attend.
At completion of this training all graduates are awarded
a green certificate.
Phase I
Phase I also involves managers
in using the Crime Free/Drug Free Lease Addendum for
all new tenants and with tenants who renew their lease.
The Sheriff's Office also requires that criminal history
checks be completed on all new tenants.
Phase II
Phase II
involves
a physical security check of the apartment complex
by a trained Deputy. There are seven minimum requirements
that must be met to pass this phase. Once this phase
is passed, the complex is awarded a red certificate.
Phase III
Phase III
is a tenant safety training. Rental complexes
are required to sponsor one tenant training per year.
Certified Deputies conduct the class and discuss the
latest safety tips and answer questions from tenants.
After the tenant training, the apartment complex receives
a blue certificate.
After verification that all requirements
are being met, the apartment complex is awarded the
final gold certificate. The certificate is good for
only one year. The complex must be recertified every
year.
In addition to the yearly gold certificate, the
complex is awarded several Crime Free Multi-Housing
Signs. The complex is also allowed to use the Crime
Free Multi-Housing logo on all of its stationary and
advertisements.
While no program can guarantee a crime
free apartment complex or rental unit, area agencies
like the Rochester Police Department have seen significant
reduction in calls to service in their apartment complexes
since the initiation of this program.
For more information
on the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program or Crime-Free
Multi-Housing Workshops, contact Deputy Jeff Brion
in the Crime Prevention Unit at 507-635-6222 ext. 1352
or email jeff.brion@co.dodge.mn.us.
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