Public Safety
Purpose
The Public Safety Department is dedicated to providing a secure and supportive environment for all Worcester Housing Authority residents.
Through proactive community policing, strategic partnerships with the Worcester Police Department, and the diligent enforcement of lease standards, we strive to deter criminal activity and ensure our neighborhoods remain safe places to live and grow.
We are committed to fostering transparency and open communication with our residents to protect the integrity and well-being of our entire community.
Public Safety Department
The Public Safety Department at the Worcester Housing Authority works to maintain safe, welcoming communities where residents can enjoy their homes without concerns about crime or serious lease issues.
A primary focus of our work is addressing lease violations to ensure that all residents follow the rules and that our communities remain safe for everyone. We collaborate with residents, neighborhood groups, and law enforcement to share information, address concerns, and find solutions together.
By staying connected and listening to our communities, we respond more effectively and
help strengthen safety for all. We conduct every investigation professionally and in
accordance with state and federal requirements. Our mission is to support strong, safe
communities where everyone feels at home.
Keeping our communities safe is one of our top priorities, and we use a combination of modern tools and proven strategies to create secure environments across all Worcester Housing Authority properties.
Thoughtfully placed security cameras help monitor activity, deter unwanted behavior, and support investigations, while onsite security guards and police detail officers provide an added layer of protection and a timely response to resident concerns. At select locations, dedicated police patrols offer both a visible crime deterrent and meaningful community engagement.
We also apply (CPTED) Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles, such as improved lighting, clear sightlines, and welcoming shared spaces, to naturally discourage crime and support vibrant, active neighborhoods. Together, these efforts help ensure safe, comfortable communities where residents can feel at ease and enjoy their homes.
The Public Safety Department at the Worcester Housing Authority is NOT a sworn law enforcement agency and does not have police powers. If you are experiencing an emergency or witness a crime in progress, please call 9-1-1 or your local police department immediately.
Once you are safe and the situation has been reported to the police, we encourage you to notify the Public Safety Department so we can take appropriate follow-up actions for incidents that occur on Worcester Housing property.
The Worcester Housing Authority works closely with law enforcement and fully supports any investigations that take place on WHA property.
Common Investigations
Unauthorized Occupants
Our department conducts thorough investigations into unauthorized residency and illegal activity to maintain community standards.
Fraud
- Unreported Income
- Sub-letting
- Over-housed
Suspicious Activities
- Illegal Dumping
- Smoking Violations
- Video Review
Community Outreach
The Public Safety Department hosts community meetings throughout the year to give residents a welcoming space to hear updates on property events, upcoming projects, and issues affecting their neighborhoods.
These meetings also provide direct access to WHA leadership, allowing residents to ask questions, share concerns, and participate in open discussions.
City and state elected officials are invited so residents can connect with their representatives, and the Worcester Police Department regularly attends to share crime statistics, answer questions, and address public safety topics.
Together, these meetings create meaningful dialogue among residents, WHA leadership, law enforcement, and public officials, strengthening collaboration and supporting communitydriven solutions.
The Public Safety Department conducts a scheduled Night Management program designed to promote a safe and welcoming environment across all WHA communities.
Through regular presence after business hours, Night Management Teams engage directly with residents, address concerns, and provide timely followup on Property Management issues. Their visibility and interaction help strengthen trust, enhance communication, and support a strong sense of security.
By being active and accessible after hours, the Night Management team reinforces shared ownership and pride in Worcester Housing Authority properties while ensuring residents feel supported and connected.
The Public Safety Department conducts and facilitates a variety of trainings throughout the WHA community to help residents strengthen personal safety awareness.
These sessions span important topics such as Fire Safety Awareness, Evacuation Procedures, Identity Theft, Fraud Prevention, and more, all aimed at empowering residents with practical knowledge and confidence.
By offering accessible, informative trainings, the department supports safer living environments and encourages residents to become stakeholders is their own safety by taking an active role in protecting themselves and their communities.
- Fire Safety
- Avoiding Fraud
- Identity Theft