Homeless Response Letter - LAPD
When it comes to the homeless, the Los Angeles Police Department has a limited scope. The homeless population is considered part of the community that we serve. The police department may investigate and intervene when homeless individuals are engaged in criminal conduct or behaving in a manner that demonstrates that they are a danger to themselves, a danger to others, or gravely disabled.
When it comes to addressing the homeless encampments, that involves a process of outreach by homeless services organizations and cleaning and sanitizing by the Department of Sanitation, Watershed Protection Division. They will also remove excess property or bulky items. Homeless encampments may be reported to MyLA311 using the app on your smartphone or by calling 311.
Keep in mind is that the City of Los Angeles is currently bound by court injunctions with pending law suits, so that tends to play a major role in how city services respond to these issues within the city of Los Angeles.
Do not hesitate to reach out to me with any additional questions or concerns.
EMERGENCY: 911
NON-EMERGENCY: 1-877-275-5273
All other City Services : 311
James W. Lavenson
Senior Lead Officer
West Los Angeles Community Police Station Office: 310-444-0742
Email: 30627@lapd.online
Website: www.lapdonline.org
Currently, there are two separate court injunctions baring and restricting the City of Los Angeles and its employees from conducting enforcement against the Homeless and removing belongings. One pertains to sleeping on the sidewalk and the other is a separate court ruling that struck down a Los Angeles Municipal Code prohibiting individuals from living in their vehicles or mobile homes on city streets.
The second is the Lavan Injunction which prohibits the City of Los Angeles and its employees from handling or removing any property belonging to an individual without a warrant unless it is evidence related to a crime. In order to remove any property, a very specific process must be followed. The property must be collected, tagged, and stored. This may only occur following a very specific process of outreach and assistance and may only be conducted by a handful of specially trained city workers. If an individual is present at the time of the cleanup and claims the items as their personal property, the property must be left at the scene and cannot be removed.
Since homelessness itself is not a crime, absent probable cause or a warrant, a homeless individual's civil rights must be respected. Many homeless individuals do suffer from some form of mental illness. Involuntary intervention may only be taken if the individual in question is demonstrating to be an immediate threat/danger to themselves, others or are gravely disabled and unable to care for themselves.
One of the most important factors to note is the level of support that the homeless are receiving from the community. As long as homeless individuals continue to receive money, food, clothing and other resources of support to live and survive on the streets, they will continue to feel "at home" within the community and not seek out appropriate shelter and outreach services. This continues to be one of the most controversial and debated issues amongst residents and community members themselves.
I hope this helps you understand some of the challenges that we face and answers some of your questions and concerns.
EMERGENCY: 911
NON-EMERGENCY: 1-877-275-5273All other City Services: 311
James W. Lavenson
Senior Lead Officer
West Los Angeles Community Police Station Office: 310-444-0742
Email: 30627@lapd.online
Website: www.lapdonline.org