Crime Free Programs

The Crime Free Mobile Housing Program is tailor-made to assist the mobile home community improve their standard of living by chasing the criminal element out of their community. The police, management, and the residents form a partnership to win the battle against crime, and to improve the quality of life of the residents.

Benefits of Being a Fully Certified Property:

• Decreased criminal activity on property
• Provide safer environment for residents
• Working relationship with police department
• Less litigation
• Use of program logo in advertising
• Increased property values

Cost of Not Participating

As we look at the result crime and criminal behavior has in the mobile home community we see that they are far reaching. They include:

• Property damage resulting from criminal behavior

• Eviction costs

• Increased resentment and anger between residents

• Management's fear and frustration when dealing with dangerous residents

• Good tenants will move out (as the good move out, the bad will move in)

Phase One: Training

Property owners, managers, leasing staff, maintenance personnel, and others in the management team should attend the entire training program. It is also recommended that police officers attend the training to understand the civil nature of rental communities, and to establish a rapport with managers of these communities.

Topics to be discussed at the Crime Free training include:

Prevention Techniques

• Preparing the property so it does not attract crime

• Applicant screening procedures

• Defining rental agreements

• Crime Free Lease Addendum

• Warning signs of illegal activity

• Actions to take if illegal activity is discovered

Proven Management Techniques

• Active management

• Spotting illegal activity

• Working with the police

• Pro-active management

Property Protection

• Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (C.P.T.E.D.)

• Liability protection

Phase Two: C.P.T.E.D. Inspection

In the second phase of the program a representative of the police department will inspect the property to assess physical security and general appearance of the property. If the property meets the agency's requirements they will move on to Phase Three. Follow-up inspections will be done until the requirements are met.

Mandatory C.P.T.E.D. Security Requirements:

• Certificates and signs displayed

• Applicant criteria and screening

• Crime Free Lease Addendum

• Park rules enforced

• Lighting and landscaping

• C.P.T.E.D. in rules and regulations

If the property does not meet the mandatory C.P.T.E.D. requirements, the management will be informed of needed changes and a follow-up inspection will be conducted.

Phase Three: Safety Social

In the third and final phase of the program, the sponsoring law enforcement agency will conduct a "Safety Social" for residents. This will include information about general safety principles and crime prevention techniques. This will also give law enforcement the opportunity to explain the Crime Free Mobile Housing Program to the residents of the mobile home community.

Management is responsible for providing food, non-alcoholic drinks and entertainment for this event. It is also recommended that property managers raffle door prizes as an added incentive to draw residents to the meeting.

Full Certification

After completion of the safety social, the management can post the Crime Free Mobile Housing Program signs on the property. The program logo can also be used in all advertisements.

What Managers and Property Owners have to say about the Program:

"The implementation of the Crime Free Mobile Housing Program has just been the single, best improvement the property can point to. When all rental properties join the program, the quality of life...will be enhanced."

"Implementation of the Crime Free Mobile Housing Program has contributed immensely to a stable, secure environment that improves the quality of life for everyone who lives on the property."

"The Crime Free Mobile Housing Program, when successfully implemented and properly maintained, is the single strongest method by which a property owner can easily insure good management practices."

"Since the induction to the Crime Free Mobile Housing Program, visitors to our property are shocked to learn that we are an 'all age community' and not a 55+ or senior community."

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