Columbia police to host safety program for apartment complexes

UPDATE 11:46 a.m: Our crews attended part of the training program and learned there is a three step process for gaining the certification. With, the first section lasting 8 hours.

Police said the program helps the low staffing issues at CPD. They have noticed they are not called as often to apartment complexes who finish the program.

Police have said the program helps property owners get to know their tenants better.

Police also said the best crime prevention tool is when neighbors care about one another.

Today there were representatives from three different complexes who attended Wednesday’s training.

ORIGINAL: On Wednesday, the Columbia Police Department will host a training program meant to prevent crime at apartment complexes.

Five complexes in Columbia have taken the training and according to reported 911 calls, just one complex has had just one crime incident in the past six months.

The Crime-Free Multi Housing Certification is meant to train property owners on how to handle crime and how to work with police to stop it.

The program goes through ways of screen applications and monitoring suspicious behavior to provide a safe environment.

Columbia Police believe it will help bring a more stable renting experience for all parties.

Here are the list of the complexes that have taken the program and how many have had crime incidents in the past six months:

-Brookside Downtown: 0

-Brookside Midtown: 1

-Brookside Townhome: 0

-Brookside on Elm: 0

-Aria: 0

Here are the list of some complexes that have not taken the program and have had crime incidents in the past six months:

-University Place : 1

-Campus View: 1

-Aspen Heights: 4

-Copper Beach: 1

-The Arch: 1

-The Cottages: 2

-The Den: 1

-The Domain: 1

These incidents include things like burglaries, larceny and thefts.

The training event will begin at 8:30 a.m. and ABC17 will have crews attending a portion of the meeting.