Chapter 1 Section 7
CRIME PREVENTION GOALS
OVERVIEW
Procedural systems must be in place, first to foster, then to document, safety measures. Safety measures must provide the protection afforded to both the applicants and residents, while considering the practical limitations that may be encountered, as the cost and burden of these actions are measured against each property's ability to pay. Safety measures shall reflect the high quality of management and professional standards of the company with the understanding that safety begins with each individual taking responsibility for their own safety.
1)GOALS
a)Identify security concerns within the project;
b)Work with law enforcement agencies, resident associations, civic and youth organizations, churches, social service agencies, professional associations;
c)Encourage changes in local housing laws which strengthen the ability to remove those engaged in drug-related criminal activity while protecting due process.
2)SECURITY CONCERNS
a)Evaluate the physical arrangement of the property for structurally created or "built-in" security challenges.
b)Request the local law enforcement agency to conduct a security survey of the property. If such an agency is not available to conduct a survey, you should determine if there is a private organization that can perform one for a reasonable fee. If so, arrange with them to conduct a survey.
c)Determine whether the suggested improvements resulting from such a survey require rent increases.
3)NETWORKING
a)Work with and encourage the resident association in the community to cooperate with management and local law enforcement agencies in creating a neighborhood watch program.
b)Work with other neighborhood organizations, church organizations and church groups dealing with crime issues.
c)Work with and encourage such groups to develop a strategy for eliminating the problem.
d)Encourage the development of educational programs for parents and children to make them aware of the dangers of drug use.
e)Work with and encourage these groups to provide drug rehabilitation programs and/or prevention activities for adolescents which deflect interest away from drug related activities.
f)Join forces with such groups in the local war on drugs.
Security Begins with the individual. Each of us must take responsible for our own safety but we must work together to help make our community a better place to live.
CRIME PREVENTION PROCEDURES
1)Before showing apartments get the persons drivers license and lock it up in file cabinet until you return.
2)All Community Managers are required to have a resident safety meeting with the residents and local police department annually.
3)All outside lighting will be checked at night to ensure they are working.
4)All tools and equipment will be under lock and key when not in use. The Maintenance Shop is never to be left unlocked at any time. Tools and equipment are never to be left unattended at any time.
5)All copiers, fax machines, computers and printers should be properly disposed of, as they have chips that store historical data.
6)All file keys will be kept under lock and key. Only the Community Managerand Regional Property Manager will have access to the key for this lock.
7)Vacant units will be checked on a daily basis inside and out to ensure that they are locked and no pilferage has taken place. If management is aware that a resident is absent from the apartment overnight, the Community Manager should make periodic security inspections of the apartment exterior.
8)The Local Police Department has been asked to patrol the community as frequently as possible, especially during night hours.
9)Any person found to be loitering in or around the community should be questioned as to what the nature of their business at the property is or if they are a visitor of a Resident who lives at the property. If they do not have any legitimate business at the property, and are not a guest of a Resident, they should be asked to leave the property.
10)Any person that has caused a disturbance/loitering at the property should be placed on the no trespassing list. Contact your local police department to discuss their local procedures.
11)All rent money will be secured in a locked drawer or file cabinet, until such time the deposit is made at the bank. Bank deposits will be made on a daily basis. Under no circumstances will money be kept in the office overnight or in the Community Manager's or other staff member’s personal custody. No cash will be accepted — only checks, certified checks, or money orders.
Chapter 1, Section 7 Crime Prevention Goals May 2012
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