In addition to investing in renovating our properties, CPO has also been investing in improving safety within our communities. Quality housing is safe housing.

Eliminate the Elements is a pro-active policing and property management strategy that empowers Columbus police officers, working as CPO special duty officers, to address criminal activity on and near CPO properties in all seven inner city neighborhoods.

• Officers strategically chosen for knowledge of neighborhoods and commitment to our mission.
• Daily coordination between officers and property management focuses officers on current "hotspots" and property managers on timely lease enforcement.
• Anonymous tip line makes it safe for residents and neighbors to report problems.
• Officers utilize CPO police cruiser, leased through a partnership with the City of Columbus.

The program focuses on developing relationships between the officers and the community through positive "knock and talk" interactions with residents.

The impact of Eliminate the Elements is clear. Arrests by CPO officers has decreased 83% between 2005 and 2010. But more importantly, children can be seen playing again in courtyards and back yards around our neighborhoods. The areas we serve require continued investment in safety in order to move toward the goal of quality, safe housing.

Anonymous Safety Tipline: To anonymously report suspicious or criminal activity on or near a CPO property, please call 614-545-SAFE (7233).

Safe Neighborhoods Initiative & Neighborhood Network Gatherings: In January of 2010, United Way of Central Ohio and The JPMorgan Chase Foundation provided funding for CPO's Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. This Weinland Park-focused neighborhood engagement strategy is designed to increase safety and sense of community in the neighborhood.   A fulltime Neighborhood Coordinator and 4 AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers work with residents to build a sense of community, address barriers, reduce isolation and improve connection to community resources. Neighborhood Network meetings are held monthly, along with other grassroots engagement strategies, including community cookouts hosted at participants’ homes to engage more neighbors.

For more information on Neighborhood Network Gatherings, contact our Neighborhood Coordinator at 614-253-0984.