Homeless In Lakewood: Police Tweet Interactions For One Shift

LAKEWOOD, CO – Lakewood's police department wants residents to know how police are interacting with people experiencing homelessness in the city. So on Thursday, seven Community Action Team officers and a sergeant brought Twitter along on a single shift, meeting, talking to and offering help and supplies to people on the streets and in the local parks.

The team began with a strategy session, working with members of the Jefferson Center for Mental Health, the officers mapped out the day. The group planned to visit homeless camps known to police, as well as answering homeless calls for service.

"Homelessness is one of the most complex issues that police have to address," LPD said.

Homelessness has come to the forefront all over Metro Denver, but in Lakewood, a controversy over a now defunct proposed massive homeless housing compound on former federal property pitted neighbors against each other and brought the crisis home to residents of Jefferson County.

"Welcome to the LPD tweet along with the Community Action Team! Today the CAT team will be working with our mental health professionals to reach out to the homeless in Lakewood. We are starting with the brief of today’s goals."

For the outreach shift, officers brought cases of bottled water and hygiene kits with underwear, socks, toothpaste, lip balm and sunscreen.

Police said businesses in Lakewood had been complaining about transient people loitering near their shops. Police gave notices about trespassing to people near businesses that complained.

"When asked if he was homeless, one fellow replied, “Is an eagle homeless? Is a tiger homeless?” So, he was asked if he had a nest. He agreed he did have a nest. He did not have a mental illness, but he was a little tipsy."

Some of the team rode bicycles.

"So yah, this happened. The LPD pit crew jumped into gear. Some of the team is on bicycles in order to reach people in harder to reach locations."

Officers offered water to the people they spoke to, as a gesture of help.

One officer felt he had success with a man he spoke to:

Just contacted a real nice guy. Homeless for 2 1/2 years. Working, but unable to earn enough at day labor to afford even a hotel room. Voiced concerns about shelter. And applications. Gave hygiene, t-shirt and new under garments. Receptive to ideas.

He doesn’t think he qualifies for any services because he is able to work and healthy. Struggled with addiction for many years after death of someone close and was overwhelmed by life. Was thrilled at the prospect of a toothbrush, tooth paste and floss.

One couple experiencing homelessness were also caring for a friend's dog.

"Sweet dog. A young local couple caring for this dog had food and water for it. Her owner went to jail 5 days ago. But they have just a few more days to be on the street. #denvercares."

Officers handed out pamphlets with a list of resources, including Human Services, shelters, food, medical, housing, domestic violence and soup kitchens.

Officers made at least one arrest of a person who had an outstanding warrant and was trespassing on private land.

Officers got to hear some of the problems of people whose belongings and phones have been stolen.

"Sleeping outside can be full of hazards. Many have talked about theft. This man had his belongings rifled through, and thrown around his camp. He posted a sign to deter intruders and had a bat ready for self defense."

"Police officers walk a very fine line balancing all the needs of the community with enforcement and compassion. Education is a top priority," the officers tweeted. "All Lakewood Parks are closed after 10 pm and overnight camping is prohibited. Camps require 72 hour notice to be removed."

To see the whole Twitter string, check out the Lakewood Police Department's Twitter feed here.

Image via Lakewood Police

Get Patched In:
Stay up-to-date on Lakewood news with Patch! There are many ways for you to connect and stay in touch: FREE newsletters and Email Alerts|Facebook