Op-Ed: Police ‘Sweeps’ of Homeless Camps Are Worse Than You Think

Op-Ed: Police ‘Sweeps’ of Homeless Camps Are Worse Than You Think

As more and more communities criminalize homelessness, I want to share what it’s actually like to have the police take all your earthly belongings. By Carrieann Smith Police “sweeps” of homeless encampments aren’t what you think — they’re much worse. I know, because I’ve been a victim of one. The Supreme Court ruled last year that unhoused people can be punished for sleeping outside, even when no shelter or affordable housing is available. Enfo…

Victim speaks out: Police ‘sweeps’ of homeless camps worse than you think

Police “sweeps” of homeless encampments aren’t what you think—they’re much worse. I know, because I’ve been a victim of one. The Supreme Court ruled last year that unhoused people can be punished for sleeping outside, even when no shelter or affordable housing is available. Enforcement often involves “sweeps” where officers destroy or confiscate property and arrest or fine unhoused individuals. To make matters worse, President Trump just announc…