Trainer Certification

Be a certified Crime Free Programs instructor.

Instructor certifications are available online now on a limited, first-come basis. You can start training any time you choose.

Registration information Email Timothy Zehring

You need this training

Get updated on VAWA, HUD screening guidelines and DOJ interventions.

We strongly encourage every agency to get current on Domestic Violence (VAWA), H.U.D. guidelines for tenant screening and evictions, and U.S. Department of Justice interventions regarding Crime Free ordinances.

We do NOT teach minimum or mandatory applicant criminal-history screening policies. We do NOT recommend or require Crime Free ordinances.

Our training has been updated in the past few years. Get our up-to-date training on applicant screening, ordinances and other topics.

Under scrutiny

The ACLU, DOJ and journalists are looking at:

Agencies teaching landlords to deny applications based on ARREST history (not convictions).HUD guidance
Agencies teaching landlords to deny applications based on any FELONY conviction — blanket bans with no look-back period.HUD guidance
Agencies teaching landlords to deny applications based on Domestic Violence (victim) history.HUD guidance
Agencies teaching landlords to evict tenants based on current victimization of Domestic Violence.
Agencies that penalize tenants or victims who call the police through local nuisance ordinances.
Violations regarding Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Effective January 1, 2024

California Assembly Bill 1418

Local governments are prohibited from:

Imposing penalties or requiring landlords to evict tenants based on calls to law enforcement, suspected criminal activity, or other alleged nuisances.
Requiring or even encouraging landlords to conduct criminal background checks during tenant screening.
Forcing the eviction of an entire family due to a felony conviction of a single family member.

The California Apartment Association supported the legislation, which does not prohibit landlords from conducting criminal background checks voluntarily or from terminating tenancies based on nuisance activity. Some jurisdictions may already prohibit or limit criminal background checks during screening.

Recent HUD regulations

Carefully review these materials

An attorney explains the new H.U.D. guidelines U.S. Department of Justice presentation U.S. DOJ consent order (ordinance related)

Online certification

Our online training classes begin every day.

Certification training for law enforcement is conducted online. Portions of the training include offline video instruction, written quizzes and a final exam.

Class sizes are limited to a manageable level
First come, first served — up to 30 attendees
Certification on all nine Crime Free Programs

Registration & pricing

Multi-Housing

Rental Housing

Mobile Housing

Condominiums

Self-Storage

Hotel-Motel

RV Parks

Lifestyles

Business

Higher certifications

State and National Trainer levels

State Trainer

Higher certification

Certified by the association to teach the Crime Free Program to any law enforcement agency within your state. There is extra paperwork and more recordkeeping. Only currently sworn officers are certified. Training can come to you, or be held at one national location — past Train-the-Trainer programs have been held in the USA and Canada.

Day 1Observe an 8-hour manager training course
Day 2Teaching concepts and CPTED concepts
Day 3Administrative details of the program

National Trainer

Highest certification

Teach across the country wherever the program is needed. National Trainers are certified on an as-needed basis — when the pool of instructors decreases. All current and past Crime Free Association board members are certified National Trainers. Expect to spend two to four days with a requesting agency.

Requirements

A certified law enforcement member
A Crime Free Coordinator for at least five years
Involved in Crime Free training within your state
Willing to travel nationally from time to time
Apply to and be approved by the ICFA Executive Director

Interested in becoming an instructor?

Email Timothy Zehring with your name, agency and phone number.

Email Timothy Zehring See workshops