Jun 27, 06:32 PM

California Cities Step Up Homeless Arrests After Grants Pass Decision

A year after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Grants Pass v. Johnson decision allowed cities to penalize public camping even when no shelter is available, a CalMatters review of police records shows sharp increases in homelessness-related enforcement across California. The analysis, covering the six months before and after the June 28, 2024 ruling, found arrests and citations for camping and related offenses surged 500% in San Francisco, doubled in San Diego and jumped 68% in Los Angeles. Sacramento nearly tripled its enforcement, from 96 incidents to 283, and logged a further 844 cases between January and May 2025. Smaller jurisdictions also intensified crackdowns, with Stockton’s citations rising from 14 to 213. City leaders have cited public safety and cleanliness in expanding policing and outreach teams. Los Angeles contends it has not formally changed policy, while San Diego credits enforcement for a 4% decline in street homelessness. Critics, including legal aid attorneys and outreach workers, argue the strategy criminalises poverty and hinders efforts to place people in housing. Interviews with unhoused residents in Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego describe repeated ticketing, confiscation of belongings and, in some cases, arrest. Many remain on the streets, burdened by fines and outstanding warrants that complicate eligibility for housing and benefits, underscoring the limited impact of enforcement on long-term homelessness.

#CalMatters #California #San Francisco #San Diego #Los Angeles #Sacramento #Stockton

Written with ChatGPT .

California Cities Step Up Homeless Arrests After Grants Pass Decision

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