THE TIME I TOLD A COP TO HANG UP THE PHONE

I have worked with the local police department in my community whenever there is a need. I like keeping the area safe and predictable and I do my part as do my neighbors. On and off through out the years, we get transients who like to camp out. I live near a wildlife refuge and it is tempting to the homeless

WE HAVE SHELTERS FOR THE HOMELESS

Now our city has shelters and a department set up to handle homelessness. Something I have become aware of though is that not all the homeless like to obey the shelter rules. You see, they like to drink, take drugs, commit petty crimes and come and go as they please. The local shelters does not allow this type of conduct

CAMPING OUT

So, they take the the wildlife corridor and trees accessing the Riverbed and as a camp ground, it remains very attractive. I have a beautiful view of it. With that type of radical thinking comes problems. It is not a camp ground. There is not potable water or bathing facilities. No sewer or trash disposal and starting a camp fire can be devastating

WE CALL IT IN

We constantly at times have to call in unlawful entry and trespass and the police respond and give warnings along with shelter assistance. If they have to come back a second time, you and your stuff get removed sometimes forcefully.

TRANSIENT CAMP

If this trespass is not check mated when it is spotted, you get a small homeless shelter encampment going there. The word on the street gets out rather quickly and the place fills up. During the morning, people march out of there hungry and looking for opportunities and right before dark, they march back in with their alcohol, wood for the fires and misc stuff.

IT ADDS UP QUICKLY

One time they removed 10 tons of trash, made two felony arrests and took a task force hours to recapture public property. It is an ongoing problem and good progress is being made. One day I called in a local Lieutenant on the police force who I had worked with about a new aggressive trespasser. This guy wont leave and has two pit bulls to boot.

NEIGHBORHOOD POLICE LIAISON GOES OUT THERE

The lieutenant goes out there and then gets me on the phone and wants me to walk him through right to the encampment. I do so over the phone and then the lieutenant says he sees and hears things. I said okay..what do you have? There is a tall man making his way toward him assertively and two pit bulls loose with him.

YOU MAY NEED TWO HANDS

Lieutenant, do you have back up. NO. Does the department know you are there right now. YES. Are you safe. YES, I think so. Well sez I, put down the phone and free that hand up for any surprises. He thanked me profusely for the suggestion and did so...

EPILOGUE:

The guy tresspassing cooperated with a slight argument and went his way. Since that time, there has been less controversy, but it does come and go. There is a Beautiful brand new park scheduled for the area which should serve as a great deterrent for future problems. They are considering naming it after a slain police officer