Police ask public not to give homeless cash
EL CENTRO — The city’s Police Department is asking the public not to give cash directly to local homeless persons.
The request was posted Monday on the department’s Facebook page.
“We get a number of calls, daily as a matter of fact, regarding issues and concerns involving people from the local ‘homeless’ population,” ECPD said. “The calls range in severity from simple concern and illegal camping to aggressive panhandling, drug use, theft and even acts of violence. This is evidenced a handful of recent unprovoked attacks on members of the community and is tremendous cause for concern.”
On July 12, two individuals were allegedly stabbed within an hour of one another by the same homeless person on Imperial Avenue. The first attack was reported to have occurred around 9:15 a.m. in front of McDonald’s, and the second happened about 10:02 a.m. at Smart & Final. Neither attack was fatal, and witnesses reported neither attack was provoked.
“Addressing the issue of homelessness is not a simple task from a law enforcement perspective,” ECPD said. “Simply giving warnings, tickets, and arresting people from this particular demographic does little to mitigate the true problems typically associated with it.”
The department noted that it has found it important to identify the difference between true homelessness, vagrancy and transient population merely passing through; however, it did not elaborate on this point.
ECPD said it has taken a “proactive approach” to the issue that has included work with local agencies and nonprofits, as well as code enforcement.
“We have been met with mixed results; however, food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and family reunifications have all been proven valuable tools which otherwise would not be at our disposal,” ECPD said.
The department noted that academic and government studies on homelessness have indicated one of its contributing factors is the availability of handouts from the public, specifically money.
A request to ECPD for more information, including the specific studies being cited, wasn’t answered as of press time, but the department said in its post: “Being able to panhandle for loose change only perpetuates many of the problems facing the homeless community.”
That was followed with this request for help from public:
“What we are asking is that we all stop giving monetary handouts,” ECPD said. “Instead, please consider donating to local agencies and nonprofits who are dedicated to assisting and remedying the issue with homelessness. We assure you we will continue to enforce the appropriate laws but ask that you consider this request in helping address the issue. Be safe!!!”
Responses to the post, which numbered 157 as of press time, were wide-ranging but generally supportive.
“I’m guilty of both giving money and food,” said one commenter. “I have never had food turned down but accepted gratefully. I have been told to not give money. I will not any more. Thanks for this message! You officers are doing a great job and are appreciated!”
“I absolutely agree!” another Facebook member responded to the ECPD’s post. “It is time to donate to the local agencies that help homeless people. The more we keep giving loose change and satisfying their needs, the less likely they are to look for help and remedy their situation!”