HISTORY OF THE PROGRAM

The Long Beach Police Department’s Apartment Watch Program was developed in 1987 to combat criminal activity associated with apartment dwellings. It was recognized that a majority of problems on and around these properties stemmed from people loitering and trespassing to conduct drug dealing and gang activity. The program originated under Long Beach Municipal Code 9.42.010; a section which was later found by the courts to be inappropriate for enforcing trespassing on apartment properties. The program has been resurrected utilizing California Penal Code Section 602, which prohibits trespassing and loitering on posted closed properties. With your participation, the program will once again prove to be an effective tool to combat criminal and nuisance activities on apartment properties.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

The Apartment Watch Program is designed for apartment owners and managers. When you register your apartment property in the Apartment Watch Program, you are showing your tenants that you take pride in your property and in their safety. Your participation grants consent for the Long Beach Police Department to act on your behalf and contact individuals who are trespassing and loitering without permission on your property. Your management representative or tenants need only to call our emergency communications center and advise of the suspected trespassing. Our officers will be dispatched to the location and will make contact with the subject trespassing. The officer, acting as your agent, will advise the subject of the law regarding trespassing and loitering. On subsequent contacts, of the same subject, at the same property, within a 6-month period, the officers will arrest the subject for trespassing. You need not be present for the officers to act on your behalf.

HOW TO BECOME AN APARTMENT WATCH PARTICIPANT

Contact the Apartment Watch Coordinator at 570-7215 or click HERE to email. Leave or email your name and mailing address to request an Apartment Watch information and registration packet.

REPORTING CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES

In the event of an emergency, dial 9-1-1 and report the activity to our emergency communications personnel. The Apartment Watch Program Coordinator may be contacted at (562) 570-7215 or click HERE to email your information to the proper division so that they may investigate your concerns.

We look forward to including your property in the Apartment Watch Program. We thank your for taking an active role in ensuring the safety of your tenants and property. Together we can make a difference!