Workshops with a blue icon will be recorded for IACP 2022 Virtual participants post-conference.

Leadership

Law Enforcement Responses to Homelessness

Location: Ballroom C4, KBHCC

Joe J. Polzak, Esq.

Assistant City Attorney/Police Legal Advisor
Sarasota Police Department
Sarasota, Florida, United States
Kevin Stiff

Captain (Ret.) Coordinator of Homeless Response
Sarasota Police Department
Sarasota, Florida, United States
Charley Francis

Responding to Homelessness Project Manager
Council of State Governments Justice Center
New York City, New York, United States
CS

Cornelia Sigworth

Associate Deputy Director
Bureau of Justice Assistance, United States

As one of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)'s Law Enforcement Mental Health Learning Sites, the Wichita, Kansas, Police Department (WPD) has operated a homeless outreach team (HOT) since 2013. The HOT, which consists of four full-time officers and a supervisor, is responsible for responding to all 911 calls regarding people experiencing homelessness. The HOT works to keep people experiencing homelessness out of jail, when possible, favoring diversion to services or shelters. This session will provide an overview of the problem of homelessness and its impact on communities. Panelists will discuss the role of law enforcement in connecting people with housing and services. BJA tools and resources will be offered to assist agencies in enhancing or improving response.