Tri-Star Program
Participating Properties
The Tri-Star Program is a partnership between the Mesa Police Department, property/community 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 community managers and residents.
The Tri-Star Program is designed to help residents, owners, and managers of rental communities and properties, keep drugs and other illegal activity off their property and out of their community.
By taking proactive steps to abate crime, the quality of life for tenants is enhanced; making a safer and more pleasant environment to live, work, and raise families in.
Participating in the Tri-Star Program does not imply there is no crime in the community; it means communities 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 community 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 expire after three years, at which time it can be renewed.
The second phase of Level 1 is to implement steps in deterring illegal activity by utilizing the following required tools:
Level One Benefits
- Managers receive a certificate of achievement for completing online training and testing.
- Community will be listed on the Mesa Police Department's Web site as a Level One participant.
- Use of the Tri-Star logo.
Level Two
- The property must meet the landscaping requirements of CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design), which improves visibility and lighting around the property.
- Establish a method of communication with tenants, either by e-mail, newsletter, flyer, or Web site at least once per quarter.
Level Two Benefits
- Level Two certificate for community.
- Automated police calls for service by e-mail daily.
- Preliminary CPTED evaluation.
- Community will be listed on the Mesa Police Department Web site as a Level Two participant.
Level Three
- In this level, properties must meet the requirements of CPTED -- security and lighting. This is the last level required for a community to become fully certified in the Tri-Star Program.
- The maintenance supervisor is required to complete the online training program.
Level Three Benefits
- Level Three (fully certified) certificate.
- Automated police calls for service by e-mail daily.
- Community will be listed on the Mesa Police Department Web site as a Level Three participant/fully certified community.
- Use of Tri-Star signs on community. (Signs must be purchased; the police department does not provide them. Signs are optional.)
Costs of Criminal Activity
When criminals operate out of a rental community, neighborhoods suffer and landlords pay the price. That price may include:
- Decline in community value.
- Community 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 community repair.
Benefits to Landlords
- Improved community values.
- A stable tenant base.
- Improved community reputation.
- Lower maintenance costs.
- More secure rental units.
- Safer exterior environment.
- Reduced premise liability.
- Property Manager Toolbox