KENNEWICK, Wash. – The Kennewick Police Department hosted its semi-annual Crime Resistant Community Living Seminar to educate property owners on crime prevention strategies.
Landlords and property owners attended the eight-hour course at the police department’s meeting room. The seminar covered topics including tenant law and drug and gang recognition.
Officer Jesus Contreras says the program has seen its successes since its inception in the late 1990s.
“After starting this program and building that communication between law enforcement and those managers, they actually saw a decrease of around 70% in calls for service,” said Officer Contreras.
Contreras explained that the program informs property owners about potential problem areas, allowing them to address issues proactively.
“We can both work together or we can also provide them resources as to how to better the situation for not only their property, but also the other tenants who reside within that property,” he said.
Participants who complete the program today receive a certification. Officer Contreras mentioned additional steps landlords and property owners can take, such as assessments for crime prevention through environmental design.
