CLEARLAKE, Calif. – In an attempt to further enhance public safety with regard to the growing issues related to the homeless population in the city of Clearlake, the Clearlake Police Department reported that it is in the process of developing a homeless liaison program.
The program is being developed and is currently in the beginning stages, however, two officers have been assigned to the program, according to Lt. Tim Celli.
Officer Mike Ray and Officer Mike Carpenter – the department’s K9 handlers – both volunteered to head up the program, Celli said.
Celli said the program’s goal is to have designated officers develop information with regard to identifying the homeless and build rapport with them.
He said police believe this would be beneficial for many reasons, include developing relationships and providing an environment in which the homeless – who otherwise might not be willing to provide information to the police – would be more willing to do so.
In addition, Celli said the department would like to see the program develop into a resource for the homeless population, putting them in contact with agencies that provide assistance to the homeless, such as Vet Connect and other similar groups.
The officers will be working as a liaison with the District Attorney’s Office for prosecutions with regard to both crimes committed by the homeless as well as crimes committed against them, Celli said.
He said the officers will be encouraged to develop ideas related to city ordinances to help deal with homeless problems such as blight and panhandling.
Anyone that would like to talk with the officers about this program or who is interested in volunteering to assist with the program is encouraged to contact either Ray or Carpenter at 707-994-8251.