Encampment Servicing Procedures and Discussion on City of Dallas Homeless Encampment Policy [Kevin Oden, Director, Emergency Management and Crisis Response]

This presentation outlines the City of Dallas's procedures for servicing homeless encampments on public property. The process involves several stages: Intake & Assessment (receiving requests via 311/911, inspecting the site, documenting conditions), Response Classification (determining if it's public or private property and the appropriate response), Intervention (engaging occupants to offer services, with a second attempt within 24 hours if needed), Notice Issued (providing a formal notice of violations and a timeline to vacate, typically 24-72 hours, allowing occupants to claim property), Enforcement (rarely used, only if safety demands, involving law enforcement and property management if arrests occur), Cleaning (by city staff or contractors), Monitoring (regular revisits to prevent re-establishment), and Documentation (recording all actions and outcomes).

The presentation also lists available enforcement tools, including Texas Penal Code sections for criminal trespass, obstruction, and camping, as well as Dallas City Code sections for littering, sleeping in public, unauthorized shelters, public urination/defecation, and park camping. These offenses range from Class C misdemeanors to 3rd-degree felonies.

Residents can report encampments through 311 or 911. The city's process aims to offer services to occupants before resorting to enforcement, with a focus on cleaning and monitoring to prevent re-establishment. Enforcement actions are rare and reserved for safety concerns.

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