Protecting Our Commercial Properties: A Simple Step

While overall crime rates remain relatively stable, businesses continue to experience frequent nuisance behavior—such as trespassing, loitering, and repeat disruptions—that drives increased calls for service and strains public safety resources. 

​These incidents may seem minor in isolation, but over time they create real costs: lost business, employee turnover, higher insurance premiums, clean-up bills, and a sense that public spaces are less welcoming. Property owners need clearer tools. 

One practical, underused tool available to commercial property owners is the Criminal Trespass Authorization form through the City of Bloomington Police Department.

Why this matters
Under Indiana law, police can only issue a trespass warning or take enforcement action if the property owner has granted authorization. Without it, officers are often limited in what they can do—leading to repeated calls with little long-term resolution.

By completing this form, property owners:

• Formally authorize BPD to act as their agent for trespass enforcement
• Enable officers to issue trespass advisements that can last up to 180 days
• Create clearer, more consistent enforcement for repeat offenders
• Help protect tenants, employees, customers, and neighboring businesses

This is not about criminalizing hardship or asking police to conduct routine patrols (the form explicitly notes they cannot). It is about giving law enforcement the legal authority they need when a call is made to address repeat trespassing.

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Why we’re encouraging action now
The business community has been clear: compassion and accountability must coexist. Property owners should not be left without tools to manage their own spaces, especially when disruptive behavior becomes frequent or unsafe. Completing this form helps close a gap between calls for service and meaningful follow-through.

Who should complete the form?

• Owners of commercial buildings, shopping centers, and office properties
• Landlords of mixed-use or multi-tenant commercial spaces
• Property managers acting on behalf of owners

Tenants are encouraged to talk with their property owner or manager about completing it—especially in areas experiencing repeated issues.

Take the next step
The form is straightforward and must be renewed annually. We strongly encourage commercial property owners to review and submit it to ensure they have access to this enforcement option when needed.   If you find that people are are on your property without permission, call the nonemergency number for the Bloomington Police Department at 812-339-4477 or [email protected]. ​

Criminal Trespass Authorization Form (City of Bloomington Police Department) 
The Chamber will continue advocating for solutions that support public safety, economic vitality, and a welcoming environment for everyone. This is one small but meaningful step property owners can take today.

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By: Christopher Emge

Senior Director of Government & Community Relations