2a Crime Prevention Program ITYOF
690 City Center Drive
PO Box 147
Minnesota 55317
Phone
952.937.1900
General Fax
952.937.5739
952.937.9152
Fax
952.934.2524
Web Site
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUB J:
Mayor
City Council
City Manager
Beth Hoiseth, Crime Prevention Educat '9~--
April 11,2001
Chanhassen Multi-Housing Crime Prevention Program
The follOwing proposed program is designed to help deter criminal
activity on rental properties. This program is based on findings
from metropolitan communities with multi-housing crime
prevention programs. In oi'der to medt the needs of and efficiently
utilize resources unique to Chanhassen, the following proposed
program is a modification of the state crime free multi-housing
program. The program's objective is for law enforcement to work
with responsible landlords who strive to provide a safe
environment within property rental communities.
Some of the following steps are already being performed by law
enforcement representatives. The proposed program will provide
additional tactics and enhance those steps already in place.
Step One: Active management. Active management is the key to
a successful multi-housing crime prevention program. Landlords
must be committed to implementing and enforcing crime deterring
strategies that are recommended by law enforcement.
Mayor/City Council/City Manager
April 11,2001
Page 2
Law enforcement will meet with management to present crime
deterrent recommendations that will include:
· Tenant screening that consists of complete criminal history
and credit background checks on each tenant applicant.
· Lease agreements that include the "Crime & Drug Free
Lease Addendum". This addendum serves as a deterrent
and cites specific legal actions that will be taken by
management if a tenant (or tenant' s guest) is involved in
criminal activity on the leased property.
· Security hardware review of current property conditions,
with recommendations to reduce the risk of crime.
· Identifying criminal activity by recognizing the warning
signs and knowing the appropriate action to take.
Step Two: Partnership Development. By exchanging information
and ideas, a strong communication link between law enforcement
officers and landlords is formed. Sharing information will assist in
solving existing crime problems, as well as help to develop
proactive strategies.
The following steps will be taken by law enforcement:
· Contact each property manager at least once a month to
address questions and concerns.
· A monthly printout of"police calls for service" for each
landlord will be provided. The printout information gives
the type of complaints and how many times deputies have
responded to the property. This information will aid
managers in keeping track of"problem tenants" and lease
violations.
· Crime alerts and updates will be sent out as needed.
· Deputies currently conduct routine patrol at rental
properties. However, the program would encourage
deputies to increase their patrol at these properties and to
periodically stop in to visit with management, thus forming
effective communication on the front lines.
Mayor/City Council/City Manager
April 11, 2001
Page 3
Step Three: Apartment Crime Watch. The "Watch" meeting
provides an opportunity for tenants to meet Chanhassen deputies,
promotes community awareness, educates participants on crime
prevention techniques and reporting procedures, and addresses
tenant concerns.
Law enforcement representatives will encourage management to
organize an annual crime watch meeting, and to participate in
National Night Out.
4.