Crime Free Programs

About Crime Free Multi-Housing Program

There are about 27,600 rental units within the city of Columbia. The Columbia Police Department realized that rental properties were responsible for a majority of calls for service in the city. In response, the department began researching ways to reduce the number of calls for service at rental properties and discovered that the Crime Free programs were the possible solution to this problem.

Members of the Police Department went to Mesa, Arizona in September 1999 to become certified instructors of these programs. Each year, officers attend the International Crime Free Conference to further their knowledge and gain state of the art and up to date information involving Crime Free Programs.

The Crime Free Multi-Housing program was first offered in Columbia in March 2000 and typically is offered four times each year.

The department has seen the results of the positive relationships that have been built between police and those who have attended the Crime Free Multi-Housing training program.  A drastic reduction in calls for service has been experienced by many properties that have implemented Crime Free principles.

In September 2002, the department dedicated one officer to the Crime Free program. For further information on the Crime Free Multi-Housing program, to see scheduled training dates, to sign up for future training dates, or to see a list of certified properties, contact Officer Jason McClintic at or by email at .

Upcoming training dates and registration form

Benefits

  • A stable, more satisfied tenant base.
  • Increased demand for rental units with a reputation for active management.
  • Lower maintenance and repair costs.
  • Increased property values.
  • Improved personal safety for tenants, landlords, and managers.

Costs of drug activity in rental property

When drug criminals and other destructive tenants operate out of rental property, neighborhoods suffer and landlords pay a high price. That price may include:

  • Decline in property values particularly when the activity begins affecting the reputation of the neighborhood.
  • Property damage arising from abuse, retaliation, neglect, or from police investigations.
  • Fire resulting from manufacturing or growing operations.
  • Civil penalties, including temporary closure of the property or even property seizure.
  • Loss of rent during eviction and repair periods.
  • Fear and frustration when dealing with dangerous and threatening tenants.
  • Increased resentment and anger between neighbors and property managers.
  • The loss of other valued tenants.

The Crime Free Multi-housing Program will teach you:

I. Prevention and applicant screening

  • How code compliance (preparing the property) can protect your rights as a landlord.
  • Benefits of applicant screening.
  • Tips to strengthen rental agreements.
  • How to become a proactive property manager.
  • Maintaining a fire safe environment.
  • Development of life safety awareness.

II. Drug nuisance abatement

  • Warning signs of drug activity.
  • Actions you must take if you discover your tenant or tenant’s guests are conducting illegal activities at your property.
  • Role of the police.
  • Crisis resolution and the eviction process.

III. Resource materials

  • A 170-page manual with additional community resources for tenants, landlords, and property managers.
  • A manual addressing fire and life safety awareness for tenants, landlords, and property managers.
  • Many other FREE materials will be available at class time.
  • One of the tools of the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program is the Crime Free Lease Addendumopens PDF file .

List of fully certified properties

  • Aria Luxury Apartments, 4500 Kentsfield Lane, Columbia, MO 65201 – 573.815.7300
  • Midtown by Brookside, East Walnut Street, Columbia, MO 65201 – 573.815.7457
  • Brookside Downtown, 120 South Tenth Street, Columbia, MO 65201 – 573.815.7458
  • Townhomes by Brookside, 400 West Old Plank Road, Columbia, MO 65203 – 573.8157455
  • Brookside Downtown on Elm, 825 Elm Street, Columbia, MO 65201 – 573.815.7456
  • Deerfield Apartments, 1516 Sylvan Lane #1, Columbia, MO 65202 – 573.886.8638
  • Columbia Crossing Apartments, 2206 Whitegate Drive, Columbia, MO – 65202 573.614.7033

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Helpful links

Helpful information regarding nuisance parties