x
Breaking News
More () »

Denver taking new approach to handling homeless encampment complaints

Non-criminal complaints to 311 will be handled by the Early Intervention team instead of DPD.

DENVER — The City and County of Denver is taking a new approach to handling general complaints about local homeless encampments.

From now on those calls will go to the Early Intervention Team (EIT) instead of the Denver Police Department (DPD), according to Laura Dunwoody, the director of 311 City Services.

Dunwoody said the intention of the change is to get to people experiencing homelessness while the groupings are small.

The EIT will be able to work with unhoused individuals and team them up with resources that can help them get off the streets, Dunwoody said.

Dunwoody explained the EIT has the ability to bring in an array of additional services such as the STAR program, which provides social workers and paramedics who can help people with mental health issues.

Credit: FILE
A picture of a homeless encampment in Denver in 2020.

She said the change was made primarily to better align people experiencing homelessness with the resources that specialize in those services while freeing up DPD for more traditional policing duties.

RELATED: City appeals after judge rules Denver must give at least 48 hours notice prior to homeless sweeps

DPD will still handle reports of crimes being committed in and around homeless encampments, Dunwoody said.

The change went into effect Friday. Dunwoody said they are expecting to send about 25 cases to EIT per day, adding that multiple calls will often come in about a single location.

RELATED: Denver extends contracts to continue housing homeless in hotels during COVID-19 crisis

> Top stories curated daily just for you! Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER to get can’t-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.

SUGGESTED VIDEOSLatest from 9NEWS 

MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS

Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER

Download the 9NEWS APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n 

HOW TO ADD THE 9NEWS APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE

ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.

For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9news" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.

Before You Leave, Check This Out