A Multi-Agency Approach to Combatting Homelessness: The Indio, CA Community Outreach Resource Program

• In Event: Police-Community Partnerships

Abstract

Homelessness has been a chronic problem in Indio, CA, and homeless individuals are disproportionately likely to become involved in the criminal justice system. The Indio Police Department (IPD) is implementing a two pronged approach to dealing with homelessness and disorder-related offenses. First, the agency is using two full-time officers dedicated to quality of life policing. These officers focus on place-based prevention with minimal use of arrest. Second, these officers also identify eligible clients for a multi-agency program designed to address chronic homelessness. The IPD has partnered with multiple stakeholders, including social service providers, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office and Public Defender’s Offices, local courts, probation, and mental health to formulate a Community Outreach Resource Program (CORP). Through this program, individuals who meet specific program criteria are linked to relevant community-based programs and criminal justice resources to help them resolve pending criminal cases. The court and officers assist these individuals in entering an individualized recovery program. Clients successfully completing the program have minor charges and fines and fees owed to the courts dismissed. This presentation will describe the program and present results to date evaluating the impact of CORP on clients using surveys and official data.

Author

• Cody Telep, Arizona State University