The Waco Crime Free programs aim to establish a partnership between the police and the owners or managers of rental properties to prevent drugs and other illegal activities on their premises. The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program focuses on reducing criminal activity in apartment communities, while the Crime Free Rental Property Program targets smaller rental units, such as single-family homes, duplexes, and four-plexes.
These programs are straightforward, honest, and solution-oriented, designed to be both easy to implement and effective in crime reduction.
They incorporate three key elements to achieve their crime prevention goals:
Phase I - Crime Free Training Seminar
The seminar is designed for property owners and key employees, including managers, leasing agents, and maintenance supervisors.
It focuses on two key points:
- Effective property management can significantly enhance the health of a community and improve the quality of life for its residents.
- There are accessible and legitimate techniques that can be used to combat the spread of drugs and illegal activities on rental properties. This training is based on proven methods developed within the housing industry.
Phase I certification is transferable to other cities within the state where it was issued. Some of the seminar topics include Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (C.P.T.E.D.), applicant screening, recognizing illegal drug activity, addressing crime issues, the eviction process, risk management, and collaborating with law enforcement.
Phase II - Meeting Security Requirements
Phase two of the program requires managers to meet the minimum security standards set by Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (C.P.T.E.D.).
The requirements are as follows:
- Install single-cylinder metal deadbolts on all single-entry units, with a minimum one-inch throw.
- Use strike plates secured with two three-inch screws, where construction permits.
- Install eye viewers in all front doors.
- Ensure adequate and uniform security lighting around the property.
- Properly trim bushes and trees to eliminate hiding spots.
- Add anti-lift/slide devices on sliding windows and doors, with exceptions for second-floor units that do not have reasonable outside access.
- Clearly identify buildings with address numbers that are at least four inches high and well-lit at night.
- Ensure that both the exterior and interior of all units comply with applicable state and local health, safety, and building laws and ordinances.
Phase III - Host a Safety Social Event
Phase three of the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program involves property management organizing a Safety Social Event for their residents. During this event, the police department trains residents to be the eyes and ears of the apartment community by utilizing established Neighborhood Watch concepts. The police will also encourage residents to take responsibility for their vehicles and rental units.
It is important to note that the Safety Social Event is not a requirement for membership in the Crime Free Rental Property program. However, any rental community that completes all three elements of this program, including the implementation of the Crime Free Lease Addendum and the Crime Free Application Addendum, will receive signs on their property indicating their participation in the program.
For more information, contact: Det. Vincent Glenn (254) 750-3622 or email wpdsafeunit@wacotx.gov
Crime Free Registration Form
In exchange for your commitment to the Crime Free Programs, the Waco Police Department will provide you with notifications about every police service call and crime reported on your property. You will also be informed whenever an individual who has been arrested by the Waco Police Department moves onto your property. Furthermore, your property will be featured on the City of Waco website, and you will have the right to use the Crime Free symbol in all advertisements aimed at potential tenants.
Program Benefits
This program urges management to take proactive steps in creating a clean and safe living environment for the citizens of Waco. By investing a little time and money, they can greatly benefit their residents. This initiative will also prove advantageous for property managers.
Benefits Include:
- Increased property values.
- Less money lost due to failure to pay rent and repair and maintenance costs.
- Increased demand for their rental units.
- More time for routine management and life as opposed to dealing with crises.
- Decreased civil liability.
- Improved safety for owners, managers, renters and neighbors.
- More satisfied, longer term and better tenants.
- Closer partnership with the police and other agencies.
- Advertising rights.
Crime Free Multi-Housing Fees
After all three phases have been completed, the fee for the Crime Free Multi-Housing Partnership:
- Apartments with 5 to 49 rental units: $77 annually
- Apartments with 50 to 99 rental units: $103 annually
- Apartments with 100 or more rental units: $155 annually
After Phase I and Phase II has been completed, the fee for the Crime Free Rental Property Partnership:
- 1 to 4 rental units: $52 annually
- 5 to 49 rental units: $77 annually
- 50 to 99 rental units: $103 annually
- 100 or more rental units: $155 annually
The following apartment communities have earned the certification of Crime Free Multi-Housing Partners with the Waco Police Department. These apartment communities are certified by the Waco Police Department as having completed all three (3) phases of the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program.
These apartment communities meet or exceed the CFMH Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design requirements established by the Waco Police Department. These apartment communities have also hosted residential safety awareness meetings presented by the Waco Police Department. Employees of these communities have completed the CFMH Advanced Management Techniques Seminar and utilize applicant screening techniques and lease addendums to manage these communities.
Single-Family Rental Properties
- Beard Properties - (254) 666-7524
2301 N. 16th - 2325 Alexander - 2707 N. 24th
- NeighborWorks Waco - (254) 752-1647
922 Franklin Ave - 10129 Bunting - 1022 Faulkner - 1024 Faulkner - 1025 N. 15th - 3925 Richfield - 528 N. 15th - 609 Hollywood - 108 Choctaw Ct - 716 Hood - 824 N 16th - 905 Calumet - 2500 Park Lake - 2705 N. 30th - 3005 Mildred - 3332 Fadal - 3424 Trice - 3504 Homan - 3620 Erath - 3633 N. 22nd - 3728 N. 22nd - 3909 Colcord - 4005 James - 4206 Hermosa - 1512 Berkshire - 1808 N. 20th - 2222 Ethel - 1000 Hatton - 2305 N. 41st