Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend the Crime Free Multi-Housing seminar?
We encourage anyone involved with multi-family properties to take part in our seminar however as of January 2015 it is mandatory for the property owner, regional manager, property -manager or assistant manager to attend. The attendance of one of these property representatives will establish official enrollment in the program.
How much does it cost to join the CFMH Program?
Unlike other police agencies across the nation, Gwinnett County Police does not impose any fees for administering the program.
Where is the “Phase I” certification accepted?
Our CFMH officers are “Train The Trainer” instructors, which means that the certificate issued to participants is recognized by any agency practicing in the CFMH Program statewide. The “Phase I” certificate follows the participant even if he/she moves on to another property.
When does my certificate expire?
“Phase I” certificates expire 1.5 years from the date of seminar completion or unless the property moves on to “Phase II” of the program. If the “Phase I” certificate expires, the individual must attend another 8-hour CFMH seminar.
I am the new manager at my property and have attended a CFMH seminar in the past. Do I need to attend again?
So as long as you are within the 1.5 year window there will be no need for you to attend another. Seminar content does change periodically however so we encourage you to participate as many times as you like.
What steps need to be taken if a property becomes fully certified and then the property is purchased by another management company?
The CFMH Coordinator should be notified as soon as possible to schedule a meeting. The CFMH Coordinator will go over the program in detail with the new property owners/management and establish whether they wish to continue participation. One of the aforementioned property individuals must attend a CFMH seminar within a four month period or risk losing all the benefits/privileges associated with the program.
What criteria need to be met before requesting a Phase II inspection?
Lighting, unit security, and landscaping are the three minimum requirements in order for our Crime Free Multi- Housing Officers to conduct a property survey. Security modification in at least 50 percent of the units is also preferred. It is the management’s responsibility to retrofit the remaining units within a reasonable amount of time. The CPTED Security Inspection explains these modifications in more detail.
Can our property participate in the CFMH program if we are located within a city limit?
No. Due to the service delivery agreement with the cities, the Gwinnett County Police Department may not render services to residents or business within a city jurisdiction that has its own police department. All apartment owners/managers are welcomed to attend a seminar and encouraged to apply the principles they learn in the seminar to their properties.
Does the CFMH promote discrimination or profiling?
No. The federal Fair Housing Act, which is discussed during the eight-hour seminar and contained in the workbook, has eight protected classes. A person’s behavior is not a protected class. The program’s guidelines are designed to provide education and tools to rental property managers that will assist and empower them to reduce the chances of problems and be prepared to quickly and effectively deal with problem tenants.
How can I be held responsible for the actions of my tenants?
A rental property, regardless of size, is in fact a business operation. While Gwinnett County has the power to declare certain businesses a nuisance, it has the right and responsibility to do the same for troublesome rental properties. The ordinance is designed to provide education and tools to rental property owners that will assist them and empower them to reduce the chances of problems and be prepared to quickly and effectively deal with problem tenants.
Our property is in search of a courtesy officer, what should we do?
The Courtesy Officer Program allows police personnel who reside in multi-family communities to receive free or reduced rent in exchange for non-law enforcement services. The Gwinnett County Police Department will not negotiate rent agreements and is not responsible for resolving any civil litigation arising between apartment management and affected police personnel. If you are interested in acquiring a courtesy officer, complete the Courtesy Officer Request Form and email it to the CFMH Coordinator.
What should we expect from a courtesy officer?
It is important to keep in mind that officers’ responsibilities and work schedule are their main priority. These factors can be unpredictable and are subject to change periodically. We highly encourage property managers to conduct interviews with interested police candidates to ensure they are a good fit and are clear on the required duties. It is not unusual for properties to acquire two courtesy officers that work opposing schedules in order to maintain good coverage.
What other option are there to supplement police presence in our community?
Many properties chose to hire “Off Duty” officers either to increase police presence or address ongoing problem/criminal activity. Records show that properties which have elected these services have fewer police calls and less crime. If you wish to learn more about this service, email your inquiry to PDUniformDivisionAdmin@gwinnettcounty.com or call 770.513.5224 or 770.513.5222
Where can I find answers to other Crime Free Multi-Housing related questions not listed here?
Please contact Corporal Bert Garcia at Humberto.Garcia@gwinnettcounty.com, 770.513.5116 or MPO Jay Brewer at Jay.Brewer@gwinnettcounty.com, 770.513-5133 for more information on how to get started. Getting certified opens up a whole world of training and networking opportunities.
