POLICE RESPONSE TO STREET PEOPLE: A SURVEY OF PERSPECTIVES AND PRACTICES

• NCJ Number: 141581
• Journal: FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 62 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1993) Pages: 5- 10
• Author(s): D Carter; A D Sapp
• Date Published: 1993
• Length: 6 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) conducted a nationwide study of police policies concerning the homeless.

Abstract

Researchers mailed questionnaires to chief executives of all municipal, county, and consolidated law enforcement agencies serving populations of 50,000 or more, or having 100 or more sworn officers. The response rate was over 80 percent, with 521 agencies returning completed survey forms. PERF data revealed that police executives did not view the presence of homeless persons on the street as a very significant problem in their communities. While police recognized the need for more general referral resources to provide social assistance to the homeless, most respondents did not think that the number of street people was too high to deal with effectively. Police executives agreed, however, that the presence of street people increased the fear of crime among citizens and that living conditions of street people posed a public hazard. Fewer than 10 percent of police departments had established formal policies to deal specifically with the homeless. Training sessions for new police officers on homeless-related issues averaged a total of 6 hours; inservice training involved about 5 additional hours. Overall, respondents expressed satisfaction with community resources available to assist street people on matters related to food, shelter, medical assistance, clothing, and substance abuse treatment. Nonetheless, respondents mentioned several shortcomings, such as lack of skills training, job referral, and psychological assistance. Over 80 percent of police departments provided transportation for individuals requiring shelter. The survey revealed a strong perception among police that the homeless population consisted largely of substance abusers. Policy recommendations to help police executives deal effectively with homeless people are offered. 11 endnotes