Next Month, Portland Police Can Arrest People Camping Who Refuse Shelter

Next Month, Portland Police Can Arrest People Camping Who Refuse Shelter The City Council vote signals a marked departure in how the city approaches homelessness.

The Portland City Council approved a daytime camping ban Wednesday afternoon that gives police officers the authority to arrest and jail or fine people who are camping outside and refuse shelter.

This marks a meaningful turning point in how the city approaches persistent homeless camping.

The city will fine campers up to $100 or impose jail time for up to 30 days for campers that repeatedly violate the new rules—which include no fires, no blocking of sidewalks or public property, no leaving behind personal objects or trash, and no camping on public property between the hours of 8 am and 8 pm.

Laurelhurst Tent A Portland police officer peers into a tent on the edge of Laurelhurst Park. (Justin Yau)

Sophie PeelJune 08, 2023 at 12:23 pm PDT

https://www.wweek.com/news/city/2023/06/08/next-month-portland-police-officers-can-arrest-people-camping-who-refuse-shelter/?fbclid=IwAR0WjNbnx6RD9ErQ56X8pd1yWuNIQtZlcKjlAne3u6diE7k1WYb8FrrGT3w