NCJ Number
147556
Date Published
1993
Length
302 pages
Annotation
The police role in responding to homeless-related issues is examined.
Abstract
This monograph contains results from a survey of more than 520 police agencies, and on-site reports on 14 jurisdictions, that describe what police across the country are doing about the homeless problem, and how police feel toward homeless persons. In taking on the problems associated with the homeless, the police must balance competing and often conflicting demands. They must maintain order, reduce fear, protect individual rights, and take care of those who can not take care of themselves. Thus, they act as social workers as well as enforcers of the law. Generally, police do not try to identify the homeless persons in their jurisdiction, but are more inclined to do so during cold weather. Tables, 3 appendixes