Module 5 Case Study

Module 5 Case Study

Trespass & Burglary Complaints at 4007 University NE

During the winter of 2007, over an approximate two-week period, officers received a number of trespass and burglary complaints from the businesses located at 4007 University NE.

Employees of these businesses frequently complained to officers that a number of different transients and street youth were breaking into the building at night, using the bathrooms, and sleeping in the common hallway. Many times they engaged in uncivil behavior once inside the building and out of view from individuals outside.

There were four suites in the building, with each suite having a different occupant: Hair Masters, the University’s Social Work department and Continuing Education, University’s Office of Annual Giving, and the State Auditor’s Office. There were two levels to the building with the Hair Masters located on the ground floor and the three other tenants occupying the second floor. Each of these tenants, while occupying a different suite, shared a common hallway and stairwell that was -inside the building. The main entrance to each of these businesses opened to this common hallway that had a front entrance at 4007 University NE, and a back fire escape door that exited to an alley behind the building.

In the typical scenario, employees arriving to work in the morning were confronted by the transients and street youth that broke in the previous night. Typically, these transients and street youth were sleeping in the hallway inside the building or utilizing the bathrooms to bathe. In one case, an employee confronted two individuals having sex in the hallway when she arrived to work.

Although these transients and street youth would leave once employees arrived in the morning, they were extremely intimidating and posed a significant safety threat to the employees. Additionally, while the individuals breaking into the businesses typically did not take anything, pry marks were oftentimes left on the doors inside the building suggesting that attempts were made to break into the businesses.

After responding to a number of these calls you as the investigating officer, who then learned that there were two primary factors contributing to the problems. First, you recognized that the individuals breaking into the building were putting something in the back door during business hours to prevent the door from locking. Once all the employees left for the evening, these individuals would then enter through the rigged back door.

In an effort to address the increased burglaries, what steps will you take to analyze the problem and develop potential solutions? What resources will you need to have allocated to you, other teams, technology, etc. in order for them to solve these crimes? Reasoning for these allocations (will need to your superior)?

RESOURCES Use your text, the external links for this module and any other materials that you find helpful.

SPECIFICATIONS Post your opening response to the question early in the assignment period so that others have time to respond to you.

Be sure to cite the resources.