The Crime Free Multi-Housing program is a result of Overland Park's Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving (COPPS) philosophy.

As part of the program, officers train and certify apartment managers. There are three levels of certification. Even partial implementation of he techniques taught in this program can reduce your risk of becoming a victim.

Level 1-Training Property Managers

An eight-hour course taught by members of COPPS that examines all levels of an apartment community's operation and teaches proven crime prevention techniques.

Topics include:

• Creating, explaining and enforcing a rental agreement
• Identifying illegal activity
• Working with the police department
• Applicant screening
• Eviction process
• Safeguarding property and residents

Level 2 - Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

Improving the physical security of property may be the most intensive and immediately rewarding portion of the program. Managers focus on minimum security techniques which include:

• three-inch screws in strike plates of front and back doors
• dead bolts, at least one inch
• 180° eye viewers
• double locks on windows
• anti-slide and lift devices on all sliding glass doors
• shrubs trimmed to heights below window lines
• adequate lighting

A COPPS officer inspects the property to ensure all these requirements are met. After successfully completing, apartment managers receive a certificate.

Level 3 - Training for Residents

COPPS officers meet with residents to inform them of:

• The lease addendum
• General safety issues
• Crime prevention techniques for offenses such as auto theft and burglary.

At the completion of resident training, managers receive a certificate.

For more information or to sign-up, call 913/895-6341.