Palm Springs Police launch plan to curb crime connected to homelessness
The Palm Springs Police Department is putting more focus on curbing crime connected to people who are homeless. It's all the first step of the agency's plan "Operation Relentless Sun."
Officers set out on their information-sharing mission Wednesday morning, going from tent-to-tent.
“We’re going to start enforcing those things,” one officer said.
Starting first at a homeless encampment at the wash near Gene Autry Trail.
Justin Bramblett lives there along with his dog and several others. He says police stopped by and told him about the resources available to homeless people.
Officers also took down some information.
“They just took a photo of our ids that way they’ve got our names and where to locate us," Bramblett said.
Bramblett said officers made one thing clear during their exchange.
"They said we’re not here for warrants or anything so they just said we’ll check back in a couple weeks – if nobody is really doing anything to move or take resources or anything, then they’re going to start doing that,” Bramblett said.
PSPD is working to get the most accurate count they can of homeless people in town. As part of that – the department is surveying homeless encampments by drone in areas where crime – including theft – is reported.
Sergeant Frank Guarino says it helps give a better idea of who they can help.
“They can’t get jobs, they have dogs, they have substance abuse issues, so lot of the resources will not work with them, because of their criminal history," Guarino said.
Substance abuse is often a problem that some in the community think needs more attention.
“i don’t think that we have enough rehab centers in the valley for addiction. I think if we had a couple more of those i think we could probably do something about it," said Eric Weber, outreach coordinator for the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission.
Next, PSPD will analyze what they've learned -- and take action against homeless people violating the law.
