NCJ Number
136316
Date Published
1992
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This report describes how four cities -- Chicago, Orlando, Baltimore, and Alexandria, Va. -- developed innovative approaches for addressing the problem of drug trafficking and abuse in public housing facilities.
Abstract
Chicago has adopted Operation Clean Sweep to regain control of the more than 1,500 public housing buildings. This program involves the ousting of trespassers, the inspection of all units, the securing of lobbies, the installation of security guards, and the use of resident photo identity cards. It includes attempts to identify resident needs, the repair and maintenance of units, and the involvement of residents in security improvements. The Orlando program relies upon neighborhood police offices to increase the police presence, police partnership with the community, and police and community activities. The Orlando Housing Authority relies upon language in its present statutes to evict tenants for using or permitting a unit to be used other than as a private dwelling, acting or permitting others to act in a manner that disturbs neighbors' peaceful enjoyment of their accommodations, and engaging in illegal or other activities that impair the physical or social environment. Baltimore's Housing Authority Police demonstrate how security needs can be met through specialized, housing-directed efforts to augment city police services. Cooperation between police and housing-authority officials in Alexandria, Va., has helped to establish a model eviction program for other jurisdictions to consider. 5 notes