Chief Hinton explained the department will use the nuisance abatement law, which holds the property owner responsible, focusing on the location of repeated criminal activity. Nuisance is defined as property used as a haven for criminal and illegal activities. They are known and often feared in communities because of their disruptive reputations. People who own, operate or maintain the property where illegal activity repeatedly occurs can be held liable.
The nuisance abatement is a civil action that will hold both the operator and owner personally responsible.
The chief explains that once a nuisance property is identified, the landlord will be contacted in writing. If the criminal activity continues at that property the chief will request assistance from ALE. The agent will coordinate affidavits, deed searches and research all police records. The agents will then present a case for the courts against the property owner. If the property owner loses the case, he or she can face fines or forfeiture of property.
While criminal law removes the perpetrator of the crime the nuisance law will focus on the location of repeated criminal activity and hold the property owner responsible. The chief states, “The police department will do everything in its power to give our citizens safe neighborhoods. The police department has also stepped up foot patrols in our parks and mill village areas.”
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