Crime Free Multi-Housing

Rental properties present a unique challenge for law enforcement. The typical Neighborhood Watch program approach to residents in single family homes is not easily adaptable to rental communities. In single family homes, owners generally have a large cash investment, and years-long mortgage, involved in the purchase. This motivates owners to a greater concern about crime in their neighborhoods. Rising crime rates can cause lower property values.

In rental properties, the communities tend to be much more transient. Most often, residents sign a six, nine, or twelve month lease for a rental property. This allows for an occupant to move very easily if they feel crime has reached a level they will not tolerate. It is much easier to move away from crime than to confront it.

To combat this problem, in 1995 Southfield Police Department started it's own Crime free Multi Housing Program. In 1996 Southfield Police department trained then Detective Sergeant Grauf and Detective Berent in the crime free Multi Housing Program. These officers were the first mid-Michigan officers trained in this program. A slow, careful development of the program to fit the needs of Saginaw Township's apartment communities has been progressing.

This bold, new program has no precedent. The concept is to take multifaceted approach to crime prevention. A unique coalition of police, property managers, and residents of rental properties, work on a three phase approach to address all opportunities of crime.

Development of the Crime Free Lease Addendum has proven to be the backbone of the CFMH Program. The addendum to the lease agreement list specific acts that, if committed on the property, will result in the immediate termination of the resident's lease.

The Saginaw Township Police Department, like it's predecessors in the program, Mesa, AZ., and Southfield, MI., will take great pride in working with all apartment managers to create a safe and secure environment for the rental residents of our community.

East District Crime Free Multi-Housing Information
North District Crime Free Multi-Housing Information
South District Crime Free Multi-Housing Information

For more information about Crime Free Multi Housing contact Detective Lieutenant Gary Grauf or Detective Sergeant Michael Berent at (989) 791-7226.

Crime Information Hot Line:(989) 791-7233

Crime Information Tip Line:(989) 791-7226