A property in the neighborhood that creates a public nuisance is any real property or vehicle where criminal activity occurs.  The activity can include drug violations, sex offenses, weapon offenses, gang activity, noise offenses and disturbing the peace.

The abatement law can be applied by first reporting criminal activity and insisting on signing a complaint.  Once this occurs, a file can be started to document activity concerning the property or vehicle. 

After calling the police dispatcher, make a note to yourself concerning the date, time and circumstances.  Leave a message for your Neighborhood Police Officer (NPO) to contact you.  Your NPO will then make arrangements to meet with you and your neighbors to get information about the problem and provide information about how everyone in your neighborhood can work together with the police to eliminate the problem. 

NPOs have had some success by directly contacting the problem address.  The NPO makes the occupants aware of the Nuisance Abatement Law and educates them about the consequences of future violations.  This simple tactic has often solved the problem before future steps are required in applying the law.  For more information, you can contact your NPO directly by calling your District police station.