The Houston Police Department Blue Star Program goal is to improve the quality of life for residents of multihousing communities through the development of a coalition between property owners, managers, residents and the police.

Blue Star Program FAQs

What is the Blue Star Program?

The Blue Star Program is a partnership between the Houston Police Department, the owners and managers of rental housing properties and community residents.Working together, Blue Star Program participants work to keep drugs and other illegal activity out of our community.

What will the Blue Star Program teach you?

The program covers a wide range of issues. It helps property owners and managers address crime prevention by examining issues such as:

• The benefits of applicant screening,
• Strengthening the rental agreement,
• Crime prevention through environmental design,
• dealing with criminal activity and public nuisance,
• Code compliance and fire safety,
• Civil liability issues,
• Ordinances and statutes enforcement, and
• Coalition building.

Does the program provide any reference material?

Owners and managers who participate in the Blue Star Program receive a manual that addresses fire and life safety awareness as well as informational material on gangs, narcotics, ordinances, code enforcement, eviction procedure and liability issues.

Are we saying that a rental property in the Blue Star program is crime free?

No. Crime knows no address. It can occur anywhere. The Blue Star Program asks that if you live on a participating property then you will be expected to live a "crime free" lifestyle. You will be required to sign a lease addendum pledging to act in a responsible manner and to not be involved in illegal activity.

Does this mean that there is a problem with crime on a property?

Not necessarily. Property managers join the program to take preemptive measures to deter crime in the community.

What do you do to become certified?

The program has a three-phase certification process:

1. The property manager and staff attend an eight hour seminar presented by the Houston Police Department.
2. The property will meet minimum CPTED requirements.
3. The Houston Police Department conducts an on-site resident safety event.

How does the Blue Star Program affect residents?

At the time of application the resident receives a copy of the lease addendum and the property will conduct a background check and may deny the application based on a prospective resident's criminal history.

FAQs are based on materials provided by the Houston Police Department.