drug and alcohol treatment programs, job training and other services, defendants can have their criminal records cleared.
“Putting someone in jail is the general public’s usual idea of what it means to enforce the law, but it is expensive to jail someone and, in Santa Monica, it is also an extremely short-term solution,” read a report from the Urban Institute, which conducted an independent review of City Hall’s efforts to end homelessness that was released in December 2006. “Most people brought in for public drunkenness are held only six hours and released without charge.”
On the flip side, Santa Monica is enjoying its lowest level of crime since 1956, which suggests the SMPD is providing a high level of service while still addressing the needs of the homeless population, which has at times been critical of the department for not addressing their needs when they are victims of a crime.
Nearly one in five homeless people have been victims of physical violence on the streets in the last 12 months, according to a survey of 20,000 homeless conducted by the Association of Gospel Rescue Mission (AGRM).
“Personal safety has always been one of the greatest concerns among homeless people,” said Rev. Steve Burger, executive director of AGRM. “Many were worried about being mugged for the cash in their pocket or purse. But now fears are growing. The proliferation of Internet sites, online movies and television shows that make a sport out of beating defenseless people add to the danger for those on the streets.”
Sanchez said, regardless if someone is homeless or not, the SMPD will be there to help. Sanchez pointed to the Urban Institute’s review, which interviewed homeless people as to why they were attracted to Santa Monica. Some said the weather and general pleasantness of the city, but nearly all put safety near the top of the list.
“We have more women and children, more elderly homeless in Santa Monica than a lot of our neighboring cities, and I think that speaks to the level of perceived security and respect and compassion we have here,”
Sanchez said. “Our mandate is to serve the community. We have no concern as to the person’s socio-economic status or religion or any other factor.
If you are a victim of a crime, we will investigate that crime to the best of our ability.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 3, 2007. Read the original PDF.