AUSTIN (KXAN) — Law enforcement leaders are beginning to speak more about their dislike of Austin’s controversial city ordinance that allows homeless people to sit, sleep, and camp in many public areas.
In June, the Austin City Council stopped police from ticketing homeless people for camping in many areas. Council believed that unpaid tickets, lead to warrants for arrest and jail time, which in turn makes it harder for homeless people to apply for housing.
Over the summer, many businesses and community groups have erupted over the change; saying the more visible homeless community is a threat to public safety and health. City leaders say police should still enforce laws for public safety and health, however, this week police leaders became more vocal in their opposition to the ordinance.
MORE: Is Austin’s homeless problem really that bad?
Friday, Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody posted a video on Twitter with a homeless man named “Tom.”
“This is Williamson County. Your decisions are affecting me and my family,” said Chody, upset that Tom was now able to camp publicly in his neighborhood.
“Mayor Adler you have to relook at this thing. This is ridiculous. I see it here today. I already see it downtown and over towards Ben White,” said Chody, “You have to take care of the residents that are already in your community as well.”
Chody’s comments come a day after Austin Police Chief Brian Manley announced he would prefer for the city to officially go back to its old policy of ticketing homeless people camping in public.
Look for more on this story on KXAN News at 6 p.m.
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