Full Notification

Ripon officers and a part-time code enforcement officer are responding to a growing number of calls related to homeless issues on almost a daily basis. With these rising calls for service, officers are trying to find ways to stretch available resources to address enforcement of illegal homeless encampments.

Recently officers addressed issues at a vacated homeless encampment underneath the Jack Tone Road Interchange. The Ripon Volunteers In Police Services lent a hand to eradicate graffiti and clean up the remains of the encampment.

Department spokesperson Lieutenant Steve Merchant said, “When Ripon officers encounter homeless persons they first try to assist them by providing county homeless shelter and assistance program information. The department also has a voucher program that can provide food for those in need. After a warning about the city camping ordinance has been given, if enforcement citations are later needed, they are used as a last resort.”

P.I.O-Lieutenant Steve Merchant Ripon Police Department 259 N. Wilma Ave. Ripon, CA 95366 209-599-2102 Business 209-599-0262 Desk 209-599-4034 FAX [email protected]