Denver targets illegal camping; critics call it a bid to criminalize homelessness

Ought Six · 03-28-2012, 05:09 PM

http://www.denverpost.com/breakingne...cs-call-it-bid

Ross · 03-29-2012, 10:59 PM

Quote:

A draft of the ordinance says the police could cite or arrest the person only after the officer first gives a warning, then assesses whether that person is in need and makes "reasonable efforts to obtain assistance."

Snort! They sleep on concrete by choice ?

flu-n-u · 03-30-2012, 02:44 PM

"The law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich and the poor alike to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal bread."

Either that or it's an attempt to prevent Occupy protests.

Potemkin · 03-30-2012, 03:22 PM

Sounds like busybody Liberals and Progressives getting in everyone's business.

"Only the State knows best!"

Quote:

If the measure passes the council next month, Denver police officers first would have to warn offenders. They also would assess whether medical or social services were needed and then help the person get assistance.

"We are a city that takes care of those who live, work and play here," Mayor Michael Hancock said in a statement. "It's inhumane to have people sleeping out in the elements, and the proposed ordinance provides us with additional tools to help those most vulnerable among us. My administration is dedicated to ensuring any ordinance of this nature will be implemented in a balanced manner and is paired with the comprehensive services necessary for short and long-term support."

Read more: Denver targets illegal camping; critics call it a bid to criminalize homelessness - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/breakingne...cs-call-it-bid

Ought Six · 03-30-2012, 03:48 PM

Do we want our local parks to remain parks, or do we want them to become homeless encampments? Is that not what homeless shelters are for? The illegal campers will be asked to move on, and only arrested if they refuse to do so. That is just as it should be.

As for the 'assistance' part of it, I do not see anything mandatory there. It says that officers will try to assess if the person needs assistance, and offer it if appropriate. I presume if the officers ask those questions, the right to refuse to answer remains intact. I do not see a problem here.