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Navigation Team
Homelessness in the United States is not a crime.
We extend our gratitude to the police chiefs, sheriffs, command personnel, supervisors, and front-line officers who have participated in addressing this challenge. Your willingness to contribute new ideas and share best practices has made significant progress possible.
Despite this, community members often express frustration when public spaces, such as parks, become inaccessible due to individuals living there. In such situations, residents typically reach out to the police rather than health departments or social services.
This dynamic can place police officers and executives in a difficult position, caught between the demands of residents seeking action and the vulnerability of homeless individuals who often have few alternatives. The perception that law enforcement “owns” the problem of homelessness further complicates their role, creating unique challenges as they navigate solutions for the community and its most vulnerable members.
We are calling on our government to establish a Navigation Team of 6 to 8 officers focused on addressing homelessness and helping individuals get off the streets. Rather than arresting the homeless, police and sheriff departments could take a leadership role in crafting innovative, compassionate solutions. These efforts would require collaboration with social service agencies, other government departments, and key community partners.
Implementing a Police Navigation Team, composed of a small group of dedicated officers, could significantly reduce homelessness. This targeted approach would be far more effective than involving the entire police force. Working with the homeless population requires a unique set of skills, patience, and passion that not all officers possess. Just as some officers excel in handling traffic or investigating homicides, others have a gift for working with vulnerable populations, including the homeless.
The Chicago Police Department’s General Order G02-01-04: Homeless Bill of Rights is a step forward, but it is not enough. We must unite as a community to make a lasting impact by establishing Police Navigation Teams dedicated to this mission.
Together, through leadership, compassion, and strategic partnerships, we can provide tangible solutions to homelessness, creating a better society for all. Let’s work to ensure that no one is left without hope, dignity, or a path forward.
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