NCJ Number
109174
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 55 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1988) Pages: 47,49-51
Date Published
1988
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The dilemma facing police when dealing with street people is discussed along with the role of social services in aiding police.
Abstract
Police are pressured to 'do something' about street people, yet officers are limited in what they can accomplish. There are two contrasting ways in which police often deal with this diverse group of people. First, the high enforcement policy is used where police routinely make arrests for violation of ordinances or constantly pressure them to 'move along'. The second way is benign neglect where street people are left alone except when dangerous weather conditions exist. Police collaboration with the social service system has helped to facilitate the acceptance of people into diagnostic rehabilitation centers, brought services to people who have been 'swept' out of bus and train terminals, and encouraged the formation of interagency task forces.