From the office of Wayne New

This document is a collaboration between District 6 Commander Tony Lopez, City Attorney Chris Gaddis, and Denver’s Road Home Executive Director Bennie Milliner. These suggestions address questions from residents and merchants about whom to contact in dealing with homeless individuals. We encourage you to distribute this document to your members. Please contact our office with any questions or concerns. ORIGINAL DOCUMENT HERE

CITY COUNCIL
City and County of Denver

City & County Building Phone: 720-337-7710
1437 Bannock Street, Room 493 Fax: 720-337-7717
Denver, CO 80202

Email: wayne.new@denvergov.org

WAYNE NEW
Councilman, District Ten

The homeless do have the right to “loiter” in public spaces (sidewalks) and ask for assistance from residents. At the same time they cannot create unsafe conditions (block public passageways); interfere with business entrances and customers (aggressively panhandle); or engage in illegal behavior that negatively impacts the quality of life in the area (drinking in public, public urination, etc). The following are helpful tips given by District 6 Commander Tony Lopez, City Attorney Chris Gaddis, and Denver’s Road Home Executive Director Bennie Milliner.

1. Private Property – The homeless may be able to loiter in public spaces but they cannot block your business entrances or enter your private property if they know they are not welcome. If the homeless individual refuses to leave and creates a nuisance situation, call the non-emergency number (720-913-2000) and request assistance and a call-back response to make sure the incident is recorded. To insure the best possible outcome, the police need your cooperation to identify the person who is causing problems so please ask for police contact.

2. Private Property Signage – To give the police the authority to charge and remove an unauthorized person from your property, whether they are sleeping or refusing to leave, consider the following:
a. Install a “No Trespassing” sign, which must be visible on your property and from the street.
b. If business space is open to the public, such as a patio, and is closed after specific hours when the owner is not present, then the visible sign should read “(Business Name) and its grounds are closed to the public from __ PM to __ AM. No Trespassing pursuant to D.R.M.C. Ordinance 38-115”.
c. Trespass Agreement – A signed agreement will give the police the authority to enforce the trespassing law on your property, especially afterhours. Contact District 6 (720-913-2800) for an agreement form and further explanation.

3. Behavioral Health – Some homeless individuals may have co-occurring mental health and substance abuse issues. Never confront or get into a heated argument with the individual. If you are physically threatened, call 911. If the individual becomes a nuisance, call the non-emergency number (720-913-2000) and ask for assistance and a call back.

4. Homeless Assistance – If a homeless individual appears to need assistance and is non-violent, call the police non- emergency number (720-913-2000) and explain the situation. The dispatcher can ask for a Homeless Outreach Officer if one is available. If the responding officer thinks that civilian outreach is required, they can request an outreach worker. If you are aware of a chronic and specific homeless issue, contact District 6, 720-913-2800, and ask to speak to one of the Homeless Outreach Officers.

5. Alleys – Homeless are never allowed to sleep in alleys or use the alley or your property as a bathroom.
a. Motion Detectors – It is highly encouraged that inexpensive motion detectors be installed on your property so that the alley will be lit when anyone visits your alley or property at night.
b. Nuisance Situations – Call the non-emergency number (720-913-2000) with a call-back request.
c. Threats and Violent Situations – Call 911 for threats to your person or property or violent situations between several individuals.

6. Panhandling – Panhandling is allowed in the public right of way but not on private property. Never give money or food to the homeless – it just encourages their presence in your community. Give your donations to Denver’s Road Home to help the homeless. Call the non-emergency number (720-913-2000) and request a call back to report panhandling on private property.

Contact Information:
Commander Tony Lopez, District 6 Police – 720-913-2800 – tony.lopez@denvergov.org
Commander Magen Dodge, District 3 Police – 720-913-1300 – magan.dodge@denvergov.org
Commander Michael Calo, District 2 Police – 720-913-1000 – michael.calo@denvergov.org
Chris Gaddis, City Attorney – 720-913-8095 – chris.gaddis@denvergov.org
Bennie Milliner, Denver’s Road Home Ex. Director – 720-944-2508 – bennie.milliner@denvergov.org
City Councilman Wayne New, Council District 10 – 720-337-7710 – wayne.new@denvergov.org