COEUR d'ALENE - The Coeur d'Alene Police Department implemented a new program Wednesday designed to more effectively handle trespassing incidents.

Police Chief Lee White outlined the "Trespass Enforcement Program," which he said has been in the works since September, during Tuesday's meeting of the city council. White began his presentation by clarifying to the council that the program does not involve the creation of any new ordinance or law.

"It's just a good way for business and real property owners to have better communication with the police department and keep people who they don't want on their property off their property," White said. "And it gives us another tool to make our jobs a little easier."

The program addresses issues his officers often encounter when business or homeowners complain about someone being on their property unlawfully. White added that the owners often see telltale signs, ranging from litter to graffiti, that indicate someone was there throughout the night.

"Sometimes law enforcement can drive through the city and see people in a back lot, but it's unclear to us whether those people are lawfully there," White said. "If we choose to stop and contact them, often times it's difficult to figure out who the property owner is. We have to seek them out and see if they will assist in prosecution before we take enforcement action."

In order to facilitate the interaction between property owners and the police department, White said the program asks those owners to do two things.

The first is to complete a "Trespass Enforcement Program form" by visiting the community resource center at www.cdaid.org/police. Once the form is completed, it can be submitted at the police station, located at 3818 Schreiber Way.

White added that those who wish to mail the form must first have it notarized to ensure authenticity.

"The second thing we ask them to do is post 'no trespassing' signs according to the instructions on the website," White said. "So after hours, when police officers are driving through the city they'll know which businesses are participating in the program and that they have permission to take enforcement action without the property owners present."

Once the steps are completed by a business or homeowner, the form is valid for a year.

After White's presentation, Councilman Steve Adams asked if the program was used at the police department in Mesa, Ariz., where he was previously employed. White responded that it is used there and at police departments throughout the nation.

"It works great," he added. "I think it deters criminal behavior."