The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) is dedicated to creating and sustaining safe communities for residents in and around public housing through a comprehensive Housing Management Model that involves site management, residents, and law enforcement working together. The LACDA administers a variety of crime prevention and safety programs for its public housing communities.

Since 2004, the LACDA has increased its use of CCTV security systems at its public housing developments.  Currently, the LACDA has CCTV systems at 43 sites monitoring 97% of all housing units.

The CCTV security systems are connected to the Internet so that LACDA staff and Community Policing Program (CPP) personnel have the capacity to review incidents that occur at the housing developments from desktops and laptops issued by the LACDA. The CCTV Program has been a great resource assisting law enforcement as well as Risk Management when incidents occur at the sites.  Temporary CCTV security systems are also installed on an as-needed basis by the LACDA enforcement personnel to further investigations.

CPP is a comprehensive approach that includes crime prevention, youth intervention, and enforcement strategies.  Contracted deputies and officers are dedicated to work exclusively at the public housing sites, but they interface effectively with the local stations and community resources.  The successful partnership has resulted in a crime reduction of over 70% at the large public housing communities and the quality of life has improved for all public housing residents.  CPP is a nationally recognized “best practice” by both housing and law enforcement professional organizations.
CPTED is based on the premise that the physical environment influences criminal behavior.  The LACDA has conducted training sessions for housing staff, law enforcement, vendors, and other County agencies.  Many of the LACDA sites have been modernized using CPTED design guidelines which include lighting, fencing, shrubbery, and security gates.
JJCPA provides case management to at-risk youth and their families living at the Carmelitos, Harbor Hills, Nueva Maravilla, and South Scattered Public Housing developments. Additionally, the program staff, a Youth Development Specialist, and Deputy Probation Officer assist youth and their families in gaining access to resources and services that will aid them in becoming self-sufficient, and thereby reducing risk factors associated with juvenile delinquency.