Monday, August 11, 2003

 Zero acceptance policy for violence and crime in our rental properties

Under increasing public pressure for safety in our community we are instituting a zero acceptance policy for violence and crime in our rental properties.  If you cause harm, make threatening remarks, threatening jesters, insinuation of violence or are convicted of a violent act while residing in any of our homes you will be evicted is accordance with the law of North Carolina. 

There is increasing awareness of incidents where you see disgruntled people use violent means to get what they want.  I feel that everyone in Roanoke Rapids should adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards violence.  I take my obligation seriously to make this area a safe haven for the residents.  If threats are made and perceived as threatening and they challenge my duty to provide a safe place to live, then I have to act in order to protect the people I serve. 

The first thing I hope to do is to stop the acceptability of violence in and around my housing. Society in general has too much acceptance of anti-social behavior, such as drug use, theft and fighting.  I have increased my screening process and take immediate action when an offense has been committed.  I cannot fix the world, I am not going to try but I can make sure I don’t rent to violent people or people that commit criminal acts. 

Zero tolerance means as a renter you are responsible for your visitors, children, spouse and friends.  If anyone within your domain commits an act of crime or violence you will be held responsible unless you take the appropriate legal action to remove them and make them stay away.  You will no longer be allowed to keep these people in your home without taking responsibility.  Allowing these acts to continue in your presence makes you responsible.

Violence against any one in any form is a crime. It is wrong, whether the person is a family member; an acquaintance; or a stranger. You are not at fault. You did not cause the violence to occur, and you are not responsible for the violent behavior of someone else.  However it is your responsibility to try and stop it and remove it from your presence.

I feel that all threats should be taken seriously.  If someone threatens you go immediately to the police and report it.  If you feel a crime has taken place, report it to the police.  After you have reported it to the police, let me know that I may look into any legal action I can take.