Police Response to Homelessness: Community Resources and Intervention Strategies
Overview
This paper examines how police officers should approach and assist homeless individuals in their communities. The author argues for a compassionate, community-based response that involves understanding root causes of homelessness, engaging with local resources, and involving community members in solutions before resorting to enforcement measures.
What this essay covers
- Introduction to homelessness: causes and initial police approach to engagement
- Community resources available for homeless assistance including shelters, rehabilitation centers, and religious organizations
- Specific local examples such as Chicago Homeless Shelters & Services and Chicago Mission Centre
- Escalation procedures and use of force protocols when individuals refuse assistance
Preview
Community Resources
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Community Resources
Before handling a homeless person, as a police officer, I have to think about why the man is homeless. Nishio et al. (2017) attribute homelessness to mental illness, stress, cognizance disability, among other reasons. With the knowledge of homelessness causes, I would approach the man politely requesting a talk with him if he is in a position to hold a sober discussion. It is reported that the homeless man does not bother students or any person around the area, so I presume he would not be very violent when I approach him. Talking with him will help me find out why he lives in the box. Considering that he did not ask anyone for permission to live in the abandoned box, I would work with an assumption that he is facing stress or is mentally ill. Therefore, I would carry some gifts to gain his trust and ensure he opens up to me. Once he tells me the reasons, I would alert my bosses for advice on how well to take care of the man's situation. The community should be contented in how I handle the situation, so I would involve them by asking questions about the man, like when he came to the area how he relates to people.
In such cases, many community resources can help such a person. One of the resources would be centers for the homeless. Local governments often run these centers in collaboration with international NGOs and churches.