Law enforcement officers across the country are increasingly on the front lines of homelessness. Encampments, citations, and public complaints often place officers in challenging positions where constitutional rights, local ordinances, and community expectations intersect. Without the right knowledge, actions taken in these situations can create legal risk, erode community trust, and even worsen outcomes for unsheltered individuals.

This course gives law enforcement personnel a clear understanding of the legal framework surrounding homelessness. You’ll explore the constitutional rights of individuals experiencing homelessness, the limits on enforcement actions, and the best practices for addressing encampments, citations, and public order issues. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to enforce the law while respecting rights, reducing liability, and building more effective community relationships.

What You’ll Learn

• The legal and constitutional framework surrounding homelessness
• Limits on enforcement actions (searches, seizures, loitering, sleeping in public)
• Best practices for handling encampments within legal boundaries
• Proper use (and misuse) of citations and trespass orders
• How court decisions (e.g., Martin v. Boise) impact enforcement
• Balancing public safety, community concerns, and individual rights
• Strategies for reducing liability and strengthening community trust