Housing Program Plan: Send Criminals Packing

It's a welcome sign for Kings Cove neighbors:

"We have now joined Savannah Crime-Free housing program, keeping illegal activity out of the property," reads Assistant Property Manager Kimberly Meisen.

And complex managers hope it also keeps crooks away.

Kings cove has been certified since 2003, after putting some safety improvements in place - that focus on design and landscape.

"What you're going to do to be in the crime-free program is to make sure bushes are low enough that people aren't able to easily hide behind them, and keep the shrubs up from the ground to see if there are feet," explains Meisen.

Managers also limited dark areas, adding about 30 extra lights.

"The larger poles define the parking lot, but in between the smaller areas we want to keep everything well lit," she adds. 

Peepholes are now in all 218 apartment entrances.

"Of course, never open your door to anyone, but at least this way, if you do hear any kind of disturbance you can see outside, and call the police if you need to."

 

To get officers or emergency crews to the right place, numbers now mark each building.

"It gives reference points. It also helps any kind of 911 call.  If it's an ambulance service that needs to get here, then they know quicker where they're headed from either direction," explains Meisen.

As part of the program, tenants have to go through a strict screening process.  Not just passing a criminal background check, but also signing a crime-free contract.  Any criminal activity by them or their guests will get them kicked out.

And police are partnering with managers to track lawbreakers.

"A huge concern is, 'What's happening when they're not there, on the weekends, after hours?'  We make sure they get that information," says Crime-Free Housing Coordinator Star Corporal Tracy Walden.

"Any time the police are called out, even if it's just loud music, they let me know," agrees Meisen. "They'll write a little note, they let management know, it comes across my desk.  It keeps you more aware of what's happening on the property." 

"And all of this makes the community look better, makes it feel better, and people want to live there!" adds Walden.

The Crime-Free Housing Program originated in Arizona in 1991.

Savannah was the first to successfully implement it on the East Coast. 

If you'd like to become crime free certified, the first step is a seminar.  That's set for Tuesday, April 29th.  The free class is from 9 to 5 at the Metro Police Training Center at the Savannah Mall.  It's upstairs, next to Dillards.  To sign up, call Cpl. Walden at 651-6653.