Cindy Crain: First responders should not be our first response to homelessness
Three months ago, a patrol officer called me regarding a person experiencing homelessness who was trespassing. I asked the officer to hand his cell phone to the man. I calmed him and recommended a solution, and he agreed.
Unfortunately, my staff and I were not immediately available to help. The Dallas Police Crisis Intervention Team was working on stacked calls. The two street outreach workers were knee-deep in cases involving the Interstate 45 tent city removal.
I called the officer back. I could clearly hear his frustration and agitation. He had been on this call for more than an hour, and it was hot outside.
"Ma'am, if y'all cannot get here soon, I am going to take him in."
READ ON
Unfortunately, my staff and I were not immediately available to help. The Dallas Police Crisis Intervention Team was working on stacked calls. The two street outreach workers were knee-deep in cases involving the Interstate 45 tent city removal.
I called the officer back. I could clearly hear his frustration and agitation. He had been on this call for more than an hour, and it was hot outside.
"Ma'am, if y'all cannot get here soon, I am going to take him in."
READ ON
