A policy proposed by the city’s mayor would give law enforcement the option to arrest homeless residents if they refuse three offers of housing.
The San Jose City Council is considering a proposal by Mayor Matt Mahon that would call for arresting unhoused people if they refuse three offers of housing, reports Janie Har for the Associated Press.
Mahon says unhoused residents have “a responsibility” to move indoors when offered shelter. “I don’t want to use the criminal justice system to make vulnerable people’s lives harder. I want to use it as a last resort,” Mahan added. Under the proposal, the city would set up a “quality of life” unit within the police department that would address the issue if front-line workers and police officers decide escalation is needed.
Other local leaders say the mayor’s proposal is too punitive and that the city should focus on building more housing, shelters, and offering more services. Mahan said people would not be punished if shelter space is unavailable.
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