Homeless Arrests, Aid Along Santa Ana Riverbed

SANTA ANA, CA — It is not just the act of arresting, but making contact with Orange County residents without residences, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

Since September 6, officers have found wanted suspects and made arrests for criminals wanted for robbery, domestic violence as well as sex offenders who are violating their terms of probation and parolees at large. Far more have been transients in need of aid and even people suffering from the horrors of human trafficking.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department officials Thursday reported that 180 arrests have been made over the past seven weeks since law enforcement efforts were stepped up along the Santa Ana riverbed, which has become a popular camping site for transients.

Sheriff's deputies in mid-September began a program that was aimed at cracking down on lawbreakers while also trying to guide transients to various services that would get them off the streets.

So far, the deputies have made "1,093 contacts" and offered various services to the homeless, but most of the attempts to help transients were rebuffed, officials said. In some cases, transients were approached multiple times, but 910 of the transients refused help.

Sheriff's officials also have investigated reports of human trafficking, sexual assault and an auto theft ring.

Discarded hypodermic needles continue to litter the bike path along with narcotics and deputies are concerned about the unsafe use of propane tanks and generators.

"Although outreach is an important aspect of our efforts, a vast majority of the population we contact is resistant to the services we are offering," Undersheriff Don Barnes said. "The criminal element that remains exploits other individuals experiencing homelessness, victimizes nearby residents and threatens recreational users of the riverbed trail."

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City News Service contributed to this report.

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