Tri-Star
Program
The Tri-Star Program is a partnership between the Mesa Police Department,
property managers/owners, landlords and residents, working together in a
cooperative effort to foster a safer community in rental properties.
The police are part of the community and have a vital
interest in the well-being of the residents, but they cannot be
totally effective without the involvement of property managers
and residents.
The Tri-Star Program is designed to help
residents, owners and managers of rental property, keep drugs
and other illegal activity off their property.
By taking proactive steps to abate crime, you enhance the
quality of life for tenants; making a safer and more pleasant
environment to live, work and raise families.
Participating in the Tri-Star Program does not imply there is
no crime on the property; it means properties are taking steps
to deter crime and have consequences when tenants are involved
in illegal activity in and around the property.
How the
Program Works
The program utilizes a unique three-part approach to crime
prevention, designed specifically for the rental community.
Level One
The first phase is a multi-faceted approach that offers
online property manager training. This course will cover
requirements of the program, tools to combat illegal activity on
the property, crime prevention and much more. The manager
certification will be good for a period of two years.
The second phase of Level 1 is to implement steps in
deterring illegal activity by utilizing the following
required tools:
- Terms of Program Agreement
- Crime Free Lease Addendum
- Trespass Enforcement Program
- Use of portable crime deterrent signs
Level One Benefits
- Managers receive certificate of achievement for
completing online training.
- Property will be listed on the Mesa Police Department
Web site as Level One participant.
- Use of Tri-Star logo.
Level Two
Additional property staff are required to complete the online
training (to include assistant managers, leasing agents and
maintenance staff).
The property must meet the landscaping
requirements of CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental
Design), which improves visibility on the property.
Establish
a method of communication with property residents, either by
e-mail, newsletter or Web site.
Level Two
Benefits
- Level Two certificate for property.
- Staff will receive certificate of achievement upon
completion of online training.
- Tri-Star contact cards from the Mesa Police Department.
When an officer has been on the property for certain call
types, he will leave a contact card with information about
the call in a designated box.
- Preliminary CPTED evaluation.
- Property will be listed on the Mesa Police Department
Web site as Level Two participant.
Level Three
In this level, properties must meet the requirements of CPTED
-- locks and lighting. This is the last level required for a
property to become fully certified in the Tri-Star Program.
Level Three Benefits
- Level Three certificate.
- Weekly calls for service available online.
- Property will be listed on the Mesa Police Department
Web site as a fully certified property.
- Use of Tri-Star signs on property -- Must be purchased
by property. (optional)
Costs of Criminal Activity
When criminals operate out of a rental property,
neighborhoods suffer and landlords pay the price. That price may
include:
- Decline in property value.
- Property damage from neglect or abuse.
- Increase risk of civil liability.
- Added fear of respectable tenants.
- Valued tenants move due to crime.
- Loss of rental income due to eviction or property
repair.
Benefits to Landlords
- Improved property values.
- A stable tenant base.
- Improved property reputation.
- Lower maintenance costs.
- More secure rental units.
- Safer exterior environment.
- Reduced premise liability.
For more information on the Tri-Star program or if you
would like to get your property started, please contact your
crime prevention
officer.