Riverdale PD To Host Crime Free Housing Class
by SheRico Jones
On May 28th 2011 the Riverdale Police department is offering a crime free housing class. The class will be led by Crime Free Housing Coordinator, Officer Jimmy Beatty from 8:00am to 4:00pm.
The Crime Free Housing program combats illegal activities in rental properties by requiring owners to run background checks on potential renters. It is extended from the old HUD law, according to Beatty, the programs coordinator.
It makes renters more responsible for themselves and their guests, Beatty said. There is a zero tolerance for criminal activity under the Crime Free Housing ordinance.
Under the Crime Free Housing ordinance, if a renter or anyone who lives at or frequents the residence is convicted of a felony; or if the police are constantly called to the residence-- the renter is evicted. Also any activities perceived as a nuisance to the neighborhood, are grounds for eviction. The ordinance was passed in 2007.
The Crime Free Multi-housing program was started in Arizona in 1992 by Tim Zehring, an officer with the Mesa Police department. He was assigned to develop a safety program for rental housing because the existing Neighborhood Watch and Block Clubs werent working as well in rental properties.
Criminal activity resulted in expensive repairs and high volumes of police calls prompting Zehring to come up with a program that would impact rental properties around the nation. Utilizing some basic crime prevention concepts, the Crime Free Multi-housing program was born. After the programs launch, there was a 75% reduction in crime and/or police calls to participating rental properties.
The Crime-Free housing program calls for property managers, residents and police to work together to keep rental properties safe, drug and gang free. The program calls for an addendum to be added to the renters lease. The addendum details specific criminal acts that if committed on the rental property-- the lease could be terminated.
As a former landlord and property manager, I know first-hand the benefits of a law enforcement-based program that truly interfaces with the business community, Security consultant Chris E. McGoey said. I can wholeheartedly state that the Crime Free Programs and backing of the international association membership can help even the most troubled property reclaim its dignity, profitability, and become reasonably safe. This is a worthy effort.
Property owners who are interested in becoming Crime Free Housing renters are required to take a one-day certification course. The next class is being held at Riverdale PD on May 28th. To sign up, call the Riverdale Police Department at 708-849-2203.
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