The Austin 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 any rental property with five or more dwelling units.

These programs are straightforward, honest, and solution-oriented, designed to be both easy to implement and effective in crime reduction.

The Austin Crime Free Multi-Housing Program is currently in its pilot stage, working with a select number of apartment communities. If you are interested in learning more about the program or would like to meet with one of the officers overseeing it, please complete the Austin Crime Free Multi-Housing Interest Card. Once submitted, one of our District Representatives will reach out to provide you with additional information about the program.

More About the program:

• Crime Free Definition - Crime Free means that your rental community will not tolerate any criminal activity and are looking out for this type of activity.
• The program is completely voluntary
• The design is to reduce crime in rental properties, produce better quality of life, support good rental property management.
• Who are the partners in this program?
• Rental Property Owners / Managers / Employees
• Austin Police Department
• Resident of the rental property
• To qualify, you must be any rental property with five or more dwellings

Program Goals:

• Reduce Criminal Activity and the Fear of Crime
• Safeguard Residents & Employees
• Increase Profitability
• Make our Jobs Easier (Reduce police calls for service)
• Reduce premise liability
• Build trust = Partnership

Registration for the next Phase I training session opens early 2026

How it works:

Phase I: Crime Free Management Training

PHASE I (CRIME FREE TRAINING SEMINAR) is designed for the owner and key property employees such as managers, leasing agents and maintenance supervisors. Our seminar focuses on two facts: Effective property management can have a major impact on the health of a community and the quality of life. Secondly, there are accessible and legitimate techniques that can be used to stop the spread of drugs and illegal activity on rental property. This training is based on tried-and-true techniques developed throughout the Housing industry.  Phase I certification is transferable to other cities in the state it was issued.

Some of the topics of the seminar include the following: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (C.P.T.E.D.), applicant screening, recognizing illegal drug activity, combating crime problems, the eviction process, managing risks, and working with the police.

Phase II: Meet Minimum Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Standards

PHASE II of the program requires the landlord to meet the minimum-security requirements of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

1. Single cylinder metal dead bolts on all single-entry units (a metal one-inch throw minimum)
2. Strike plates with two three-inch screws (where construction permits)
3. Eye viewers in all front doors
4. Adequate and uniform security lighting
5. Proper trimming of bushes/trees
6. Anti-lift/slide devices on sliding windows and doors (exception may be taken with second floor units where no outside access is reasonably possible)
7. Buildings clearly identified by address numbers that are a minimum of 4 inches high and well lighted at night
8. The exterior and interior of all units are in compliance with applicable state, and local health, safety, and laws and ordinances

Phase III: Safety Socials for residents

PHASE III of the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program involves property management hosting a Safety Social Event for their residents. The police department trains the residents to be the eyes and ears for the apartment community by using proven Neighborhood Watch concepts. We also encourage residents to take responsibility for their own cars and rental units. The Safety Social Event is not required for Crime Free Rental Property membership.