Law Enforcement and the Homeless Community

• In Event: Policing Homelessness and Quality of Life Issues: The Impetus for Improvement

Abstract

This study aims to understand the social problems around homelessness as perceived by various stakeholders, including the homeless population, the general public, law enforcement personnel, police cadet, and social workers. Towards this goal, the researchers conducted one-on-one intensive interviews in a metropolitan city in the United States to investigate different stakeholders’ perspectives through their firsthand accounts. In collaboration with a local law enforcement agency’s special unit that was specifically designated to serve the homeless community, we explored alternative approaches in policing to address the homelessness issue. Such approaches, as piloted in this special unit, adopted a community policing philosophy and integrated formal and informal social control mechanisms. However, preliminary findings of this study indicated tensions between the homeless population and law enforcement as well as a general lack of acknowledgement of such alternative approaches and resources available to the homeless community. By analyzing different stakeholders’ opinions, this exploratory research reveals current policing practices with regard to social problems around the homelessness issue. It provides invaluable insights for policymakers on how to best mobilize both law enforcement and social services resources to better serve the homeless community.

Authors

• Fei Yang, University of Houston-Downtown

• Cesar Escalante, University of Houston-Downtown