Conflicting Stories From Los Angeles' Skid Row

Aid groups for the destitute of Skid Row are concerned about a reported rise in homeless sweeps and property confiscation. "While city officials have been wrestling with new ordinances to make it easier to break up camps — first enacting them in July, then suspending enforcement while they consider modifications — police have been testing strategies for getting homeless people's property off the streets, the groups say."

One homeless man recalled an incident where "two 'officers' — employees of the local business improvement district — [...] pulled out a 'voluntary property release' form. Unsure if the black-shirted officers were police, Gabel said he felt intimidated and signed the form." The men then took away the bike parts he planned to sell.

Spokespeople for the police deny using more aggressive tactics on Skid Row. "LAPD Cmdr. Andy Smith said there has been no increase in homeless sweeps, and arrests for violations that typically target homeless people are down."

"[A police spokesperson] said police were trying to balance the needs of the homeless while ensuring the city is 'habitable.'" Habitability, of course, can easily be a code-word for the gentrification many see as inevitable for the area. In the words of one officer, "People pay a lot now to live here, they expect services from the city. You're kind of stuck in the middle, I know."