Dealing with the transient problem

Gilroy Police Chief Denise Turner has a dilemma and she’s, understandably, seeking a policy direction from the City Council.
Arrests and calls for service related to a seemingly growing transient and homeless population are occupying more and more time for the officers on the street and the department. The department is quantifying the numbers for presentation to the Council, but the anecdotal information is strong. Low-level crimes, transients panhandling, mentally ill homeless causing public disturbances, alcoholics and drug abusers on the streets – it’s taking a toll on the department and the city as a whole.
When a transient sets up shop at the park across from Brownell Academy Middle School and openly deals drugs to a waiting homeless population, it’s clear the situation is out of control.
Why? One contention that’s difficult to argue with is Gilroy’s compassionate efforts to help. The Compassion Center, the National Guard Armory, the Lord’s Table at St. Joseph’s Family Center and the Sobrato Transitional Center are all places to either bed down, get help or receive a hot meal.
While the community should and is proud to lend a hand to the down and out, the numbers, given our resources, are becoming overwhelming. The PD says that transients are on tape and in reports as saying, essentially, that Gilroy has developed a reputation as “the place to go.” That would be fine if we had the resources to deal with the problem, but we don’t. And, if it’s indeed true that transients in San Jose are being given bus tokens and told to take a ride south, the problem will quickly consume our resources.
It’s a complex issue, but the County of Santa Clara is well aware that Gilroy has the highest per capita homeless population, yet the financial resources from the county do not reflect that.
A two-pronged approach is needed. On the one hand, Chief Turner should be directed to develop a get-tough program in conjunction with the county that includes some clear guidelines. For example, a protocol that repeat offenders spend 30 days in jail or in an appropriate treatment program. Dangerous schizophrenics and drunks urinating in public should not be arrested repeatedly and set free in a day with a bus token in hand for the ride back to Gilroy.
Additionally, pressure needs to be brought to bear on the county for additional financial resources and assistance. Supervisor Mike Wasserman should take the lead, but a solid coalition has to engage his office and outline the problem and what Gilroy is planning to do locally.
Gilroy should remain compassionate and caring, but it should not stand for becoming the dumping ground for the county’s homeless population.