Current Date/Time: March 19th 2024


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Crime Free Multi-Housing Program

Crime Free Multi-Housing Program

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The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program (CFMH) began in 1992 at Mesa, Arizona and was first implemented in Canada by the New Westminster Police Service in 1994. Numerous other communities have now adopted the Program and it continues to yield extremely positive results. In partnership with the RCMP and the Halifax Regional Police, the ACSA is now pleased to administer the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program in Atlantic Canada.

What is the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program?

The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program (CFMH) is an honest, direct and solution oriented crime prevention initiative designed specifically to help apartment owners, managers, residents, police and other agencies work together to keep illegal and nuisance activity off rental property. Its unique three phases ensure the crime prevention goal, while maintaining an approach which is resident friendly, yet effective in reducing the incidence of crime in multi-unit apartment communities.

Phase 1:

Resident managers and/or Owners attend a one day seminar presented by the Police in partnership with the ACSA. Topics include Crime Prevention Concepts, Preparing and Maintaining the Property, Applicant Screening, Working Together with Police, Residential Tenancy Act, and Combating Illegal Activities

Phase 2:
The rental properties must meet minimum security standards. A representative from the police detachment or department will conduct a security evaluation of the property and make recommendations. The following minimum standards must be met before advancing:

  • A good quality deadbolt must be on all suite doors. The bolt must be minimum 1-  inch in length and the hole in the frame must be the same size as the bolt, for a tight fit.
  • Strike Plates on wood-framed doors must be secured with a 3-inch screw into the stud.
  • All suite doors must have eyeviewers (prefer 180-190 degrees, 65 inches from the floor).
  • Sliding doors and windows require secondary locks, in addition to functioning primary locks, in all ground level and easily accessible suites.
  • The trees and shrubs must be pruned to allow a clear view of the property. Trees should be limbed to 6-feet off the ground and shrubs should be no higher than 3-feet.
  • Adequate lighting in and around the building. Lighting is the most effective crime prevention tool around when used properly.
  • Graffiti must be removed.
  • The property must be clean and properly maintained.

Phase 3:
The owner/manager will host an annual Safety Social for their residents to involve them in preventing crime on the property and to get involved in the community. A representative from the police department will be in attendance to explain the program  and offer crime prevention tips.

Following the completion of all three phases the management will earn the privilege to post signs stating they have joined the CRIME FREE MULTI-HOUSING PROGRAM and may use the CFMH logo for marketing purposes.

For more information, please contact the Program Manager at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

To read more about this program from an international perspective, please click here.