Illegal Apartments I

Illegal apartments, unfortunately, are a real and serious hazard. They are found all over the city and in any conceivable location. Do not think that just because your stationed in an affluent section you're immune to this problem.

 Without getting into the reasons behind them, let's get into recognizing and taking the proper steps to mitigate there presence.

 Most of these "apartments" will be found while responding to the usual incidents. The Central Station Alarms, medicals, and the like. 

 If in your normal operations you notice that maybe this place might be an illegal apartment, TAKE the appropriate steps to notify the proper authorities to there presence. First step should be to notify the Chief to respond and also the cities inspections section, building department et al. Try to get the owners name, information ( number, address etc.)and  if possible to get them to respond to the location. I, myself, if I'm able to talk to the owner, will just tell them of the need for their presence to clarify some issues. 

 If you don't have Abatement's on you, start writing down all you see. So when you return to the firehouse you can look up the proper codes for the violations that are found. Leave no stone unturned while in the building. Also remember the need to stay on scene until the arrival of the proper authorities.  Leaving the scene before the ball is rolling will cause the need for permission and/or a warrant to enter at a later date. 

 Remember that although you are basically kicking some person or family from their "home" safety and liability should overrule any reservations you may harbor. The last thing you want is to leave without doing anything. Don't forget we have a Duty to Act and failure to do so can lead to malfeasance charges.

 If at all possible, take pictures. This will help in correcting the problems and exclude the owner from denying the conditions that were found. Document, Document, Document. Did I say Document. At all times do what you have to do. Do Not overlook anything or allow some sob story deter you from doing your job. 

 In the future I'll post some pictures and stories to show some of the conditions myself and others have found.