The West Fargo Police Department Crime Free Multi-housing program uses a comprehensive, three-phase approach to ensure a safe rental property environment. 

Phase One

Phase One provides training to the property owner, property manager and maintenance staff. The training is free of charge. 

Attendees will receive instruction in:

• Understanding crime prevention
• Conducting the application screening process
• Fundamentals of personal safety
• Fair housing standards
• Establishing lease and lease addendums
• Concept of active property management
• Working with local law enforcement and fire departments
• Drug and gang awareness

The target audience for this training is property owners, property managers and maintenance staff.

Phase Two

Phase Two is a basic Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) property inspection. Trained personnel from the police department review the property and provide recommendations to improve safety and security for the residents.

Phase Three

Phase Three is an organized resident social. The purpose of the social is to promote a community setting, introduce residents and staff, and provide educational materials relating to crime watch and crime prevention techniques.

Certificates are presented to the property owner or manager after each phase. Once all three phases have been completed, a final certification is issued. The certification is good for one year. 

Final certification entitles the property owner or manager to free background checks on crime free housing applications, free reports relating to activities occurring on their property, free CPTED surveys, free crime free program materials, and free crime free multi-housing signs to be placed on the property.

Development

The West Fargo Crime Free Multi-housing Program is based on the crime free program developed by Tim Zehring of the Mesa, AZ Police Department. 

The West Fargo Police Department is a member of the International Crime Free Housing Association. Questions about the program should be directed to Pam Cota, Crime Free Housing Coordinator.

The Crime Free Housing Coordinator conducts background checks for landlords in West Fargo and notifies landlords when tenants or visitors commit offenses on the property including:

• Noisy parties
• Prostitution and indecent exposure
• Assaults
• Disorderly conduct or peace disturbances
• Minor possessing or consuming alcohol or providing alcohol to minors
• Public nuisances
• Possession of controlled substances
• Conduct that violates laws relating to the need for protective services or delinquency of a minor
• Terrorist threats
• Criminal damage to property, including burglary and robbery

Benefits

Crime Free Housing benefits include:

• A stable, satisfied tenant base
• Increased demand for rental units due to a reputation for active management
• Lower maintenance and repair costs
• Increased property values
• Improved personal safety for tenants, landlords, and managers
• More time on routine management and less time on crisis control
• Appreciative tenants and neighbors