The author begins by describing how Public Housing Authorities (PHA) operate and guidelines for their management that are mandated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). PHAs administer the Section 8 housing assistance program offered by HUD that helps low- to moderate-income people pay for their housing. PHAs are responsible for screening housing applicants and refusing Section 8 assistance to those who have been convicted of drug-related crimes or abuse alcohol. Police officers and PHAs should work together to reduce crime in public housing complexes. PHAs should properly screen applicants in accordance with HUD regulations, while police officers should help by providing background criminal histories for housing applicants and by contacting the local PHA when Section 8 recipients are arrested for drug-related offenses.