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Illegal Camps Increase with Spring WeatherPolice expect fewer with increased patrolsRelated Content
ANCHORAGE - Anchorage police officers say with the snow melting they expect to see illegal camps popping up around town. But they say they're expecting fewer of them this year than in years past. Officers say two years ago they got three or four reports of illegal camping a day – now that's down to just a couple a week. Officers attribute the decline in the number of reports to actions by the Community Action Policing, or CAP, team. When they find an illegal camp, CAP team members try to get the campers into shelters. "We've been able to use grants we've received from the state very well to target select times and locations to put more officers on the street and give patrol officers the ability to free up after making an arrest and return to duty," said Lieutenant Gary Gillam of APD’s CAP team. Police say all illegal camps should be reported to 786-8900. |
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Steve said on Monday, May 7 at 10:17 AM
I hate to knock down an ideal without provide another solution but having a free camp zone would be a bad idea. If a camp zone were to happen, the city would be responsible and tax payers would have to pay for the funding and upkeep of these zones. Having a camp zone would just put a band aid on the problem. On top of that, I could also see an increase in populations in camps. It may sound odd but people who stay in hostels or rent out rooms would consider saving a few bucks and stay outside during the nice Alaska summer weather. It would probably encourage runaway teens a place to hide from their troubles.
90004636Anonymous said on Monday, May 7 at 6:45 AM
I have a homeless brother who lives in Anchorage and he has been homeless for many a year but to look at him you would never know, he dose odd jobs that he can but he is also a disabled man who fell through the cracks due to an auto collision that left him with perminate brain dammage at the age of 22. He is 35 now. I know he has lived in camp sites when he dosn't have a couch to surf. These people are people to and for some reason or another they choose to live this way. My brother has the option of staying with family but he accually dose not accept the offer. I worrie daily that I will read of something happening to him in the news but I know and respect his choice. His comment to me a year ago with my offer "I thank you for your love and support but this is my choice and I am happy to know you care if this path leads me to an early grave I am happy with the thought that someone out there cares." I love my brother but wish there was more we all could do for him and others like him
89982923Kevin S said on Saturday, May 5 at 11:47 AM
I couldn't disagree more. Accommodation is not a good solution. The city would then be liable for troubles occurring in the camps.
89850915Rick said on Friday, May 4 at 4:40 PM
Yeah a free camp...what a great idea just make sure it's right next to your house!
89785054geuli said on Friday, May 4 at 11:41 AM
pay their fare home, bring them to the airport, at least they will not be seen for sometime. families worry about them frequently-but don't have much resources to just go get them. clean up green up!
89761005mark said on Friday, May 4 at 10:36 AM
i agree instead of constantly harassing the homeless why not give them a safe outside camping zone? of course you'll need to regulate it but its still cheaper then spending money on destroying the camps (ive worked community service cleaning up camps we r told to throw everything out including pictures of family or friends)
89754194guest said on Friday, May 4 at 9:56 AM
Maybe a designated area for homeless people to camp is in needed. It would be cheaper than a shelter and out of neighborhoods where residents may not want them. Possible close to an area to fish so at least they can feed themselves.
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