Understanding the Implications of a Punitive Approach to Homelessness: A Local Case Study

Abstract

Cities large and small are increasingly using public safety policies to address local concerns about homelessness. In 2013, Chico, California, followed suit by passing several ordinances, most notably, a “sit‐lie” ordinance that prohibits individuals from sitting or lying in commercial districts and other public spaces. Broadly, this article explores the implications of this punitive approach to homelessness. Specifically, relying primarily upon arrest data extending over six and a half years, we explore how enforcement of the sit‐lie ordinance affected arrest rates of homeless individuals, as well as the geographic location of those arrests. Our expectations are supported—arrests of homeless individuals increased significantly in the “post sit‐lie” period, and the location of arrests clearly shifted away from the downtown area. Finally, given economic motivations of the ordinances, we estimate the costs to city law enforcement of policing the homeless population and find that costs are nearly twice as large as police department estimates.

Using risk terrain modeling to predict homeless related crime in Los Angeles, California

“…Given that proactive hot spot policing strategies tend to be more successful in reducing crime (Braga, Papachristos, & Hureau, 2012;Braga, Welsh, & Schnell, 2015), that same idea can likely be extended to tackling homeless crime risk. Instead of focusing on citation based strategies to clear out homeless encampments (Chamard, 2010;Vitale, 2010;Stuart, 2016;Wilking et al, 2018), officers may attempt to reduce victimization risk in these areas. Something as simple as providing the homeless with better services to store valuables is likely a way to reduce property crime risk.…”

“…One is that by identifying the potential spatial factors that contribute to higher homeless crime risk, RTM can guide problem oriented policing or crime prevention through environmental design strategies to mitigate that risk. This is opposed to current order-maintenance approaches, such as the use of arrest and citations, that have negative externalities on the homeless and can be costly (Stuart, 2016;Wilking et al, 2018).…”

Punishment to Support: The Need to Align Animal Control Enforcement with the Human Social Justice Movement

“…In contrast, human social services address human welfare concerns by providing critical safety net programs, such as social security, housing vouchers, and food assistance, that support the basic needs of vulnerable individuals and their families so they can focus on longer-term strategies for maintaining their wellbeing. Research from several different human social support systems, including education, substance use treatment, and housing security, has demonstrated how models that focus on addressing root causes are more effective at creating positive and sustained community health outcomes than punitive approaches, particularly when the most vulnerable individuals and families in a community are prioritized to receive the support they need [ 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ]. For example, some schools have shifted away from punitive zero-tolerance discipline policies and adopted supportive approaches, such as restorative justice.…”

“…There is preliminary evidence suggesting that these approaches contribute to a more positive school climate, improvements in student relationships, community engagement, academic achievement, staff support, and decreases in fighting, bullying, violence, suspensions, and expulsions [ 32 , 33 ]. Supportive interventions for substance use have also been developed as alternatives to the criminal justice system, including harm reduction approaches (e.g., increasing naloxone availability, promoting needle exchange, expanding medication-assisted addiction treatment, increasing psychosocial treatment, and outreach programs), which have been found to improve recovery from addiction, increase lifespan, enhance the quality of life, and decrease the number of deaths [ 34 ]. This focused and proactive safety net approach to animal service is largely absent in the field of animal control and humane law enforcement.…”

The right to exist: homelessness and the paradox of leisure

“…Johnson and Glover (2013) put forth the notion that as public spaces have become ever more privatized, the communal locations that formerly 'belonged' to the masses have evolved into spaces explicitly for consumption; preference is given to those with purchasing power (Casey et al, 2008). In tandem with this is the increased efforts at policing these 'public' spaces which results in the criminalization of poverty for those experiencing homelessness (Wilking, Roll, Philhour, Hansen, & Nevarez, 2018). When one stops to consider the reality of life for those who are homeless, they are dependent on public space to live (Mitchell, 2017); the privatization of public space, then, usurps their right to exist.…”