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Drug House Evictions
The Marion County Prosecutor's Office launched the Drug House Eviction Program in January 1996. The purpose of the program is to work with landlords to help them deal with the problem of drug use and drug dealing by tenants. The most common way that landlords have been making a difference is by evicting tenants who are arrested for narcotics and other criminal offenses.
Since its inception, more than 1,000 evictions have been secured. In addition to these evictions are the closing of two massage parlors and several demolitions, proving that by working with property owners and communities, the program can improve neighborhoods througout Marion County.
The Drug House Eviction Program is just one component of the Prosecutor's innovative Community Prosecution Division. By working with law enforcement personnel, property owners and concerned residents and citizens, the Drug House Eviction Program will continue to make Marion County safer for everyone.
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS:
Criminal or nuisance activity at a location is reported and documented.
The landlord or property manager is contacted.
Documentation of the criminal or nuisance activity is provided to the landlord or property manager.
The landlord or property owner takes steps to ensure criminal or nuisance activity stops, usually by evicting the tenants.
The Drug House Eviction Program provides assistance at each step during the process.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Property owners, landlords and concerned citizens can anonymously report suspected drug houses by calling 327-1406, or contact via e-mail at srallen@indygov.org
Landlord Training Program:
The Marion County Prosecutor's Office Community Prosecution Division hosts several landlord trainings each year to assist property owners in addressing landlord/tenant issues that affect impact the community. The information provided during this program will not only benefit the residents in the neighborhoods but it will also help property owners protect their landlords investmentss by taking stepsproviding tips and techniques to help recruit and retain good tenants.
The training is based on John Campbell's National Landlord Training Program and has been adapted for Indianapolis. Some of the information that willto be presented during this training are will be preparing the property to attract good tenants, methods for screening applicants, crime prevention, property management techniques, lease agreement and application suggestions, and tenant evictions. In addition there is also information provided on recourses that are available to property managers and owners to help them address issues relating to their properties and the quality of life in the neighborhoods.
The landlords participation in helping to keep criminal activity out of rental properties and keeping neighborhoods clean helps increase the value of the communityincrease property values and decrease crime in neighborhoods. It is through collaborative efforts between property owners, neighborhood residents, the courts, and law enforcement that we can improve the quality of life for all.
Most of the trainings are conducted held at the Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center (INRC) located at 1802 N. Illinois Street. There are some trainings that are conducted at other facilities for groups or organizations upon request. The scheduled training dates and times are as follows:
· Thursday, February 28th, 2008, 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
· Tuesday, April 15th, 2008, 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
· Tuesday, June 17th, 2008, 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
There is no cost to attend this training however because space is limited we would ask that you RSVP so there is room and material available for you. For more information or you may contact Scott Allen at:c (317) 327-1406 or by email at: .
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