Police and the Homeless: An Introduction (From Police and the Homeless: Creating a Partnership Between Law Enforcement and Social Service Agencies in the Development of Effective Policies and Programs, P 3-20, 1997, Martin L. Forst, ed. - See NCJ-167769)

• NCJ Number: 167770
• Author(s): M L Forst
• Date Published: 1997
• Length: 18 pages
• Sale Source: Charles C. Thomas
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This introduction provides an overview of the problem of homelessness and a brief look at some of the major issues.

Abstract

The increase in homelessness over the past decade has created what many consider a significant social problem. When other agencies or programs fail, the police are called upon to confront social ills. To the extent that society criminalizes homelessness, law enforcement will become increasingly embroiled in this complex social situation. However, homelessness is not simply a law enforcement problem. It is an interwoven set of social, economic, public and mental health issues that require a coordinated response, one that includes law enforcement in the planning and implementation process. Issues that must be considered include: (1) numbers of the homeless; (2) identifying who are the homeless; (3) the relationship between homelessness and mental illness; (4) public health issues (HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, high-risk sexual activity, drug-related problems); (5) legal issues (sleeping in parks, panhandling, littering); and (6) strain on local resources. Notes