February 24, 2010 > Hayward Crime Free Multi-housing program training seminar Hayward Crime Free Multi-housing program training seminar By Meenu Gupta To address criminal issues on rental properties, Hayward Police Department has embarked upon the Hayward Crime Free program. The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program (CFMH) is a free certification program that promotes safer neighborhood by helping owners, managers and residents of rental property to keep drugs, illegal activity and crime off their property. Anyone who works with housing is encouraged to participate- property owners, managers, assistant managers, leasing agents, office staff and maintenance staff. This is a three-phase program. In Phase I landlords and property managers are invited to attend a free education training class on various aspects of effective property management. Topics discussed include resident screening, rental agreements, ongoing property management, crime prevention through environmental design, warning signs of gang and drug activity, the role of the police, premise liability, and fire safety. Attendees receive a certificate upon completion. During Phase II, an on-site property review is conducted utilizing tools of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). The CPTED considers issues such as locks, lighting, landscaping and general appearance of the property. If the property meets the requirements, a second certificate is issued in the name of the property. A representative of the Police Department conducts a "Safety Social" in Phase III of the program that includes information about general safety principles and crime prevention; Neighborhood Watch. Crime Free Multi-Housing Program is explained to the residents of the rental community. A final certificate is then issued at the Safety Social to demonstrate to the residents that management is committed to and have completed all three phases the program, Courtyard Apartments, Waterford Apartments and Whitman Villa Town homes have received full certification in the Hayward Police Department Crime Free Program. Those interested in becoming a member of the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program may contact Crime Free Program Coordinators Mary Fabian Crime Prevention Specialist, Northern District Office at (510) 293-1043 and Gale Bleth, Crime Prevention Specialist, Southern District Office at (510) 293-7151. To access the training registration form visit www.ci.hayward.ca.us and click Crime Free Multi-Housing Program. Hayward Crime Free Multi-housing Program Phase I Training Seminar Thursday, February 25 Hayward City Hall 777 B Street, Hayward (510) 293-1043 www.ci.hayward.ca.us