SPOKANE, Wash. – Public camping, especially in Spokane’s downtown core, has been a big problem for years.
But in late October, the city council unanimously passed the Safe and Accessible Spaces ordinance, effectively banning public camping or hanging out on the sidewalk for hours, while also giving Spokane Police the power to enforce it by either issuing citations or offering help in the form of resources.
“They have the flexibility to offer services, but they have the authority to issue a citation if they feel like that’s the best course of action,” explained Spokane mayor Lisa Brown.
And while it’s still early on, Mayor Brown is thrilled with the results she’s seeing so far.
“People are complying, but more importantly, more people are getting connected to services and housing.”‘
Officer Tyler Turner works out of SPD’s downtown precinct and is tasked with enforcing the Safe and Accessible Spaces ordinance daily.
“I think we’ve been able to affect some pretty good change here in downtown,” Turner said. “I think we’ve also been able to connect people to a lot of resources that they, quite frankly, need.”
SPD has issued more than 900 citations since the ordinance took effect. The vast majority have been issued downtown, an area Turner said will never be perfect.
“But I think that we’re taking steps in the right direction towards getting it safer for the citizenry, but also for the people that are suffering down here, because a lot of these folks are victims of crime themselves,” said Turner.
He said he has seen enough positive outcomes to believe the ordinance is making a difference.
“I’ve had several people approach me, where they’ve said that, you know, the things that we have done have helped them get off drugs and get their lives on track. I would say that’s a win.”
Mayor Brown believes the ordinance is already a win, saying the key is collaboration and communication between the city, police, and resource organizations.
“It’s absolutely working,” said Brown. “And it’s not just about enforcement. It’s truly a system now. It starts with outreach. There’s a navigation center, small shelters, and exits to permanent housing. And enforcement is a piece of that, but it’s really the connection of all the pieces that’s making the difference.”
And while Mayor Brown says she would love to add a second navigation center and more outreach teams, she says under the new ordinances, the city is seeing more people move through the system and find permanent housing.
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