HOMELESS ALONG THE STANISLAUS RIVER ARE CREATING HARZARDS AND CRIMES.

RIVERBANK, CALIFORNIA.

August 08, 2016.

Source: Riverbank Police Services.

Due to increases in criminal activity and other public hazards associated with the homeless population illegally camping along the Stanislaus River in Riverbank (including armed robbery, burglary, theft, a homeless camp homicide in June with suspect arrested down by river on 8/2, human waste collecting in 5 gallon buckets or open earth pits, large accumulations of trash, trees being chopped down for firewood and shelters, open fire pits creating fire hazards, used/discarded hypodermic needles/syringes, etc.), the Corps of Engineers has submitted a trespass letter authorizing the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department to routinely conduct enforcement activities on its property. RPS conducted an enforcement action on 8/5 to address individuals who had illegal encampments on Corps property and who had been given prior verbal warnings by Deputies but refused to comply. 19 people were cited for related trespass on Corps property and 2 people were arrested on unrelated warrants. 

 All people cited were given a pamphlet with a comprehensive listing of in county resources available to them in order to assist them with food, clothing, shelter, medical care, transportation, work, support groups, recovery centers, crisis centers, and other needs. Those who did not have phones were advised to come to RPS and use our phone if needed to contact these resources. RPS knows that homelessness is a complex problem and we will do what we can to assist those who are in this situation. However, we will also enforce the law to help ensure that public safety is maintained for those who want to enjoy river access without the threat of such hazards listed above or depicted in the attached photos below.