Everett police will teach landlords about crime prevention.

Published 11:03 pm Monday, February 15, 2010

EVERETT — Everett police are offering a crime-prevention program for apartment managers and property owners for the first time in three years.

Officers next month are bringing back the department’s popular crime-free rental housing workshop. The free one-day seminar is aimed at helping managers navigate landlord-tenant laws and provide tips on keeping their buildings safe and crime-free.

The program is offered in three phases. The first is the eight-hour seminar. Participants will learn more about screening applicants, writing rental agreements and their responsibilities as managers. Police also will provide tips for crime prevention and will talk about spotting drug and gang activity.

After completing the seminar, landlords can participate in a physical assessment of their properties. Police will help identify physical improvements that can be made to prevent crime. Adding lighting, installing protective windows and doors and making other changes to the property can help prevent crime.

Finally, participants will be asked to meet with their tenants to discuss safety measures and crime prevention. Tenants also will learn about their rights and responsibilities while living in the property.

Managers who complete all steps of the program are able to advertise that they are a member of the Everett Police Department’s crime-free rental housing program.

The seminar is scheduled from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 23 at the department’s south precinct. The precinct is located at 1121 SE Everett Mall Way.

Registration is required and seating is limited to the first 50 applicants. Training is restricted to owners, managers and assistant managers. The application is available at www.EverettPolice.org.

Applications can be e-mailed to crimeprevention@ci.everett.wa.us or sent to Crime Prevention, 3002 Wetmore Ave., Everett, WA 98201.

Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463; hefley@heraldnet.com.