Recent sexual assault prompts look at homeless encampments and safety

In the wake of a recent sexual assault by a homeless person at a Ballard car dealership, the relationship between public safety and homeless encampments are once again being examined. SPD officer Sean Whitcomb spoke with KIRO Radio’s Ron and Don to discuss police strategy.

“The solution is to get them into shelter through the navigation team,” said Sergeant Whitcomb. “I think the demand is outstripping the supply. We have a squad of officers who are working with social workers, and the human services department to get folks off the streets.”

RELATED: Seattle eying South Lake Union for next homeless encampment

Considering that Seattle has the third largest homeless population in the country, police are negotiating the line between long-term solutions to encampments and addressing current safety concerns.

“Of course we’re working with the city, and we have the navigation team,” Whitcomb said. “We want to get people who are unsheltered into situations where they can be housed. I know there’s been a lot of concern expressed about homeless encampments, and individuals who are harassing people, breaking into things, using drugs–this is very important to us.”

Checking on warrants in homeless encampments

The suspect in the recent Ballard sexual assault case already had a bench warrant out prior to the crime. Whitcomb said police can check for warrants but there’s more to it than that.

“Legally we can,” said Whitcomb. “But that depends on whether or not that homeless person is being investigated for a crime. Or whether they committed some sort of offense, like they’re driving their RV and they’ve got expired plates they’re going to get stopped. And we’re going to ask for their driver’s license and make sure everything’s in order. A routine check would be inclusive of checking for warrants, court orders, all that.”

Whitcomb wants Ballard residents to know that measures are being taken to ensure neighborhood safety.

“I’ll be honest, we’re really busy,” Whitcomb said. “The North Precinct has been spending a lot of time trying to deploy officers to places where they’re needed. Part of that is a data-driven approach, which is looking where the crime takes us. But another part of that is places where people feel like police are needed.”

“If you’re not comfortable taking your kids to a neighborhood park, or shopping at your local grocery store, we want to be there for you, we want to be patrolling, be seen on bike, on foot. If they need help, they can call us.”

Though nothing could be confirmed by the city or Whitcomb, local businesses and neighbors told KIRO 7 that encampments are being planned for South Lake Union and the site previously intended for a new North Precinct police station.