Alcoa Police to meet with landlords on cutting crime

By Jessica Stith
of The Daily Times Staff

In an effort to reduce illegal activities and nuisances on rental properties in Alcoa, the Alcoa Police Department is holding a "landlord meeting" for landlords, property owners and property managers on Thursday.

Holly Hatcher, director of community policing for Alcoa Police Department, said the meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the Public Safety Building, Alcoa Police Department courtroom at 2020 N. Wright Road.

Hatcher said the purpose of the meeting is to make sure landlords, property owners and property managers are taking responsibility for activities that are occurring on their rental property and "to hopefully screen possible tenants adequately" in the future.

She said the following topics are on the agenda for discussion at the meeting: drug violations and prostitution in rental homes, the responsibility of property owners within current state laws and city ordinances, stopping unlawful activity and nuisances, the benefits of cooperation and the consequences for non-cooperation.

Hatcher said Alcoa city government officials will be present at the meeting to discuss the issue, as well as Alcoa Police Chief Ken Burge, Alcoa Police Capt. Rick Arnold, Blount County General Sessions Court Judge David R. Duggan, Blount County District Attorney General Mike Flynn, a representative of the 5th Judicial Drug Task Force, members of local churches and businesses, community improvement groups and concerned citizens groups.

This is the first meeting that has been held to discuss this issue at Alcoa Police Department, Hatcher said. She said that attendance is necessary by landlords, property owners and property managers of renal properties to make this meeting a success.

Hatcher said that the police department is asking all landlords of rental properties to attend. She asked that they RSVP by calling her at 380-4952. Callers who receive a recording should leave a message.