COLLABORATION IN COMMUNITY POLICING

In early 2003, the Redding Police Department implemented the Homeless Outreach and Assistance Program. This was in response to the public's concern of a growing homeless population and lack of services for the homeless. Officer Ed Ochoa from the department's Neighborhood Police Unit attended homeless coalition meetings to better understand homeless issues. He learned that most agencies only assist the homeless on a walk-in basis and do not have outreach programs.

Officer Ochoa recruited an outreach team consisting a doctor, nurse, psychologist, mental health case worker, and a services coordinator from the local Rescue Mission. The team contacted homeless persons in camps who were given medical exam and treatment, psychological evaluations and treatment. and a services availability screening while still at their camps. Many were given transportation to appointments for services or to food and clothing warehouses for basic necessities.

In less than one year, the homeless population in Redding decreased by ninety percent. Active homeless camps dropped from more than 110 to ten and the homeless population decreased from 87 to 20. The team conducts weekly follow-up visits to assisted clients.

This program serves as an example of how multiple agencies and the community can work together to find long term solutions to common community problems.

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