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Crime Prevention > Crime Free Multi-Housing

Crime Free Multi-Housing

Image of the CFMH logo: three houses in a police crest symbol.The Ottawa Crime Free Multi-Housing Program began in 1992 in Mesa, Arizona and was adopted in 1996 by the Ottawa Police Service. The Program is designed to help owners, managers, residents and police work together to keep illegal and nuisance activity out of rental communities.

What the Program is all about

  • Multi-faceted approach to crime prevention geared specifically for the rental community.
  • Partnership between police, landlords and residents.
  • Copyright program (Mesa Police) that utilizes a three-phase certification process.
  • Comprehensive screening process for new residents and renewed leases.
  • Benefits to all partners involved.

CFMHP - Three-Phase Certification Process

Image of Crime Free Multi Housing Program certificate.

Phase 1: Landlord Management Training (one-time certification training)
The police train the landlord (employees) in understanding:

  • Crime prevention;
  • Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED);
  • Resident selection;
  • Combating illegal activity;
  • Good property management; and 
  • Building partnerships within the community.

Phase 2: CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) Inspection
The police conduct a yearly CPTED audit of the building and grounds and provide a written report to the landlord. The landlord must meet the minimum standards to receive certification. Basic fundamentals of CPTED are:

  • Access Control;
  • Surveillance; and 
  • Territorial Reinforcement (includes maintenance and activity generators).

Phase 3: Resident Safety Social
The police meet with residents to explain the Program and the importance of their role in the partnership with police and the landlord by:

  • Encouraging participation in pro-active initiatives; and 
  • Providing crime prevention and safety awareness tips.

Landlords who receive full certification in the Program are permitted to post the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program signs and include the copyright logo in their advertising.

Benefits for Landlords

  • More stable and satisfied resident base - extended lease term.
  • Lower maintenance and repair costs - improved property values.
  • Improved personal safety for owners and managers.
  • Appreciation for dedication to Community involvement - appreciative neighbours - improved communication.

Benefits for Residents

  • Safer and more pleasant place to live - want a longer term residency.
  • Community environment -neighbours actually speak to each other.
  • Identify with owners and managers who care and make a difference.
  • Develop a sense of personal pride & ownership.

Benefits for Police

  • Reduced calls for service.
  • Better use of police resources.
  • Better communication - exchange of information.
  • Cooperation and better relationship with owners, managers and residents for the purposes of crime prevention, detection and enforcement.

To obtain further information on the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program contact:

Diane Larocque
CFMHP Coordinator
613- 236-1222 ext 5182

Sgt. Claude Parent
CPTED Unit and Crime Free Multi housing Program
613-236-1222 ext 5377

Additional information:

Ottawa Police Service Crime Prevention Programs: