California Mayor Wants New Police Unit to Fight Homelessness
Story by Jenna Sundel • 14h
The mayor of San Jose, California, has proposed the formation of a specialized police unit tasked with enforcing a new policy that could see unhoused residents arrested if they refuse available shelter.
The proposed "Responsibility to Shelter" initiative has sparked debate in San Jose amid ongoing struggles with its homeless population.
Why It Matters
Homelessness has been a topic cities across California have been trying to find solutions for and in 2024, homeless reached record highs, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. San Jose has seen an increase in its homeless population in recent years, with about 5,500 people living unsheltered, SFGate reported.
"The goal has always been to get people the help they need," Mahan told reporters. "We're making a historic investment trying to get people indoors and connected to services."
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