Crime and Safety Programs

• Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Security Systems

  Since 2004, the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) has increased its use of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) security systems at its public housing developments.  Currently the LACDA has CCTV systems at 34 sites monitoring 88% of all housing units.

  The CCTV security systems are connected to the Internet so that LACDA staff and Community Policing Program (CPP) personnel can review incidents that occur at the housing developments from desktops and Ipads issued by the LACDA. Finally, the CCTV program has been a great resource assisting law enforcement as well as Risk Management when incidents occur at the sites.  Temporary CCTV security systems are also installed on an as-needed basis by the LACDA enforcement personnel to further investigations.

• Community Policing Program (CPP)

  During the 1980s, the LACDA contracted with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) to provide supplemental law enforcement services at our public housing sites, and with the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) to provide protective services at the Carmelitos public housing development in Long Beach.  These general law enforcement contracts had a limited impact on the crime problems at the housing sites around the County.

  In order to strengthen neighborhoods in and around Los Angeles County public housing, the LACDA initiated a Community Policing Program (CPP) with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Long Beach Police Department in 1993.  CPP is a comprehensive approach that includes crime prevention, youth intervention, and enforcement strategies.  It utilizes a long-term problem solving approach to address crime and quality of life issues at the sites and within the community.  The contracted deputies and officers are dedicated to work exclusively at the public housing sites, but they interface effectively with the local stations and community resources.

  The successful LACDA/LASD/LBPD partnership can be measured by the crime reduction in the large housing developments.  Since program inception, crime has decreased by over 70% and the quality of life has improved for all public housing residents.  CPP is a nationally recognized “best practice” by both housing and law enforcement professional organizations.

• Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

  Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is based on the premise that the physical environment influences criminal behavior.  The LACDA's Crime and Safety Unit and the LACDA's Construction Management Unit staff has conducted training sessions for CDC and the LACDA's Housing Assistance staff, law enforcement, vendors, and other County agencies.  A CPTED Manual outlines a review process for the agency.  Many of the LACDA sites have been modernized using CPTED design guidelines which include: lighting, fencing, shrubbery, and security gates.

• Fraud

  To reduce over-payments and to identify unreported income, the LACDA has a fraud policy located in Chapter 13 of the Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) for the Conventional Public Housing Program.  The fraud policy incorporates HUD guidelines and regulations to comply with the Presidential Mandate requiring Departments to reduce income and rent errors and the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002 (Public Law No: 107-300).

  The fraud policy focuses on the accuracy of the LACDA's income and rent calculations and occupancy activities.  The fraud policy establishes guidelines and provides a comprehensive course of action to prevent fraud, waste, and mismanagement so that program resources are utilized judiciously and that housing resources reach only income-eligible families to ensure program integrity. 

  Chapter 13 Fraud Policy to view Chapter 13 - Fraud Policy.

• Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act (JJCPA) Program

  JJCPA is designed to provide case management for 200 at-risk youth and their families living at the Carmelitos, Harbor Hills, Nueva Maravilla, and South Scattered public housing developments.  Additionally, the program staff, a Youth Development Specialist and Deputy Probation Officer, assist youth and their families in gaining access to resources and services that will aid them in becoming self-sufficient, and thereby reducing risk factors associated with juvenile delinquency.  Services and activities include the following:

  -Tutoring and homework assistance;
  -Family literacy;
  -Cultural, social and recreation activities;
  -Substance abuse and alcohol counseling;
  -Gang intervention;
  -Parenting classes;
  -Family counseling;
  -Gender-specific programs;
  -Job training and placement; and
  -Community service opportunities.