By Ruben Vives | LA Times
There are 3,376 people experiencing homelessness in Long Beach, of which 72% of the population lives in tents or makeshift shelters, according to the city’s 2024 homeless count.
In a written statement, the Long Beach Police Department said it would continue to support the city’s plan in addressing encampments but would not hesitate to enforce the law.
“The police department routinely participates in [city] encampment clean ups, following outreach efforts, and will continue to do so,” the statement said. But whether participating in the interdepartmental approach or responding to concerns from residents and businesses, Long Beach police officers are not precluded from taking discretionary enforcement action to reduce crime or enhance safety based on the totality of circumstances they encounter.”
Long Beach city and police officials did not respond to further questions about the cost of fines or the number of citations that would lead to an arrest. The city prosecutor could not be reached for comment.
Read more at: LA Times
*Editor’s note: The Times did not obtain any comments from Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson on the matter. According to organizers of the 2028 Olympics, Long Beach will host seven sports events when the Olympics come to town.
