Livingston Police Promote Blue Star Program

The Livingston police are encouraging the public to take advantage of the Blue Star program, an assistance program intended to aide police officers in reaching senior citizens and people with disabilities during emergencies, Police Officer Gary Mankowitz said. 

When the police respond to a home emergency, officers usually have to break down doors if the resident cannot unlock the front entrance, Mankowitz said.

In the Blue Star program, residents leave an extra copy of house keys with the police to avoid a forced entry, Mankowitz said.

The program participants also provide information about their medications and health problems, as well as their emergency contacts and physician so the police and other emergency workers know how to respond to the emergency accordingly, Mankowitz said. 

The extra house keys are locked up in a secure location at the police station, Mankowitz said, and only a senior commanding officer has access to them. 

The free program has been available to township residents for about 30 years although it was recently revamped by police officer Joy Klapal. About 74 residents currently use it, Mankowitz said. 

Registration forms are available on the Livingston Police Department's website and at the police station in township hall.

For more information, call (973) 992-3000 ext. 3229.