General Order 100.85 Departmental Assistance to the Homeless

Question 1

On January 29, 2002, who directed all state agencies to actively address the issue of homelessness in California?

Answer 1

Governor Gray Davis.

Question 2

In 2002, Governor Gray Davis created an interagency task force committee to address what?

Answer 2

Public health and safety issue of homelessness in California.

Question 3

The Department was directed to provide full support and cooperation to the task force in relation to what?

Answer 3

Reducing the incidence of homelessness.

Question 4

What two key roles does law enforcement have in the addressing the national issue of homelessness?

Answer 4

• Law enforcement personnel are in a position to direct homeless individuals to available services within the community.
• Law enforcement personnel are charged with enforcing the law, keeping the peace, reducing friction between individuals, and ensuring the rights of all people are respected to the fullest extent in accordance with law.

Question 5

Area commanders are required to do what in regard to the homeless

Answer 5

• Establish and maintain an Area jurisdictional list of telephone numbers and hours of operation for local shelters, agencies, and organizations that routinely provide assistance to the homeless.
• Identify and maintain admittance criteria to all homeless shelters located within the Area’s jurisdiction.
• Identify mechanisms of transportation for use by homeless persons to nearby shelters and other agencies and organizations capable of providing health and human assistance.
• Each quarter, verify all information relative to local homeless shelters and other assistance agencies and organizations and provide updated info to the assigned field Division and Comm. Center.
• Periodically disseminate the information to both uniformed and non-uniformed personnel within the Area during training days and daily field briefings.

Question 6

Should CHP officers be sensitive to the unique needs of the homeless?

Answer 6

Yes

Question 7

What should officers do before sending or transporting a homeless person to a shelter?

Answer 7

Check to make sure they do not pose a threat to public safety such as: carrying an illegal weapon, possessing narcotics, public intoxication, or having outstanding warrants.

Question 8

If an officer discovers that a homeless person has outstanding warrants, what should the officer do?

Answer 8

Take appropriate enforcement action.