AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Since the public camping ban was reinstated on May 11, City of Austin and Austin Police Department teams have visited 42 homeless encampments across the city to begin the education and outreach process ahead of expected enforcement later this summer.
The city is working through a four phase implementation plan of the reinstated ban, which created a criminal offense for camping in public areas, sitting or lying down in the downtown or UT campus areas, or soliciting money or other things of value at specific hours and locations.
The first 30-day phase of the plan, which focuses on outreach and education, runs through June 12.
"This is a huge endeavor and we are taking it step by step. Enforcement of Prop B continues to be a strategy focusing on compassion and empathy. Our goal is to carry out the needs of Austin residents and to work in partnership with all stakeholders to keep the community safe," said Interim Austin Police Chief Joseph Chacon.
Phase 2 of the implementation process will take place from June 13 until July 10. During this time, APD will generally issue written warnings, and may issue citations for violating the camping ordinance if they encounter individuals who have already been warned.
During Phase 3, from July 11 to Aug. 7, APD will issue a citation if a written warning has already been issued. The city says that arrests for violating the camping ordinance will only be utilized in situations where individuals refuse to vacate areas that have been deemed dangerous for the public, including a high risk of fire, flooding, or accidents.
