Skip to content
InternationalCrime Free Association
Two-story roadside motel with red doors

Crime Free Programs · Hotels & motels

Crime Free Hotel-Motel

A law-enforcement-driven partnership with the lodging industry.

Get certifiedHow it works

Overview

About Crime Free Hotel-Motel

The Crime Free Hotel-Motel Program began as a small pilot in Mesa, Arizona in 1995, modeled on the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program. In 1997 it was instituted full scale for all hotels and motels in Mesa that wished to participate.

The program is law-enforcement driven and builds a strong working relationship between police and management in the hospitality industry.

Fully certified properties may be listed by the local convention and visitors bureau. One property was awarded a contract of over $2 million, which it believed was a result of its membership in the program.

The three phases

From first class to full certification.

Each phase is completed under the supervision of local law enforcement.

  1. 01

    Law Enforcement Training

    4 hours

    • Understanding crime prevention and C.P.T.E.D.
    • The registration process and active property management
    • Early and later warning signs
    • Combating crime problems; reactive vs. proactive policing
    • Employment and potential liability issues
    • Clandestine drug labs

    Participants receive a certificate signed by the chief law enforcement official, to be framed and displayed at the front desk.

  2. 02

    Property Inspection

    Physical security review

    • Posting of certificates
    • Positive photo identification of guests
    • Lighting, locks, and landscaping requirements
    • Recording of serial numbers
    • Screening procedures and cash policies
    • Key control
  3. 03 Certified

    Full Certification

    Gold certificate · renewed annually

    The manager receives a gold certificate, posted behind the front desk. The program logo may be used in advertising, on letterhead and business cards — attracting honest guests while discouraging those seeking rooms for criminal activity.

Street lights at night

Prevention costs less than the alternative.

Why it matters

What crime costs a hotel

  • Property damage from destroyed rooms, burglaries, or drug labs
  • Loss of rent during repair periods
  • Fire from highly combustible drug labs
  • Decreased demand for overnight lodging
  • High employee turnover due to fear of guests
  • Loss of valued guests and litigation from injuries on property

Ready to certify your property?

Contact your local Crime Free Coordinator, or train with the association to bring the program to your jurisdiction.

Find trainingAssociate members