Sarnia's chief of police says the service's Integrated Mobile Police and Community Team (IMPACT) is "the right response" in addressing the city's homelessness situation.
"Had we not had IMPACT over the last few years, I think as a city, we'd be in big trouble," said Chief Derek Davis during a police board meeting on Thursday, October 30.
IMPACT members provided an update on the challenges and successes seen over the past year.
The team launched in 2022 and currently consists of one sergeant and three constables. They work with homeless individuals and those suffering from mental health or addiction issues, with a goal of connecting them to community resources.
So far this year, IMPACT has responded to 2,180 events and has issued 124 referrals for service, 57 of which were accepted.
Last year, the team responded to 2,208 events, issued 214 referrals and 60 were accepted.
Cst. Jocelyne Paquette said referrals may have been higher last year because they were encountering more people at Rainbow Park -- an encampment that was removed earlier this year.
Now, encampments (which can include a single person living in a tent at a site) are more dispersed across the community. Paquette said some are "out in the bush" and can be difficult to locate.
IMPACT statistics also showed that while 63 shelter referrals have been offered so far this year, only 25 have been accepted.
While the reasons to reject shelter vary, the three main reasons cited were: trying to stay clean, concerns about assault or theft.
"A lot of them have a lot of belongings as well and they can only bring so much with them... and that's all they have. That's their entire life," said Paquette.
In many cases, Paquette said the IMPACT team is recognized and sought out.
For example, there have been times when IMPACT members were asked for assistance because the individual believed they missed a parole hearing on account of not having a calendar or phone to keep track of days.
Other successes highlighted during the meeting included relocating individuals to other areas to be with or near loved ones. IMPACT has also provided support to family members of those who are living rough.
However, the team does face challenges.
Cst. John Sottosanti said when visiting or helping to clear encampment sites, they can encounter needles, trash, human waste, ticks and bed bugs, mice, and often weapons. Sometimes weapons are used as tools, other times it's for protection, but he said they're usually left out in the open.
"We don't know what we're going to get ourselves into when we show up," Sottosanti said. "It's always a concern, especially when you don't know the people and they don't know you. You don't know how they're going to react; if they're under the influence, you always have to be careful."
Sottosanti also said when it comes to clean up, it's primarily handled by the city's bylaw department or a hired company.
Other partners working with IMPACT include: Lambton Shared Services, Sarnia Probation and Patrol Services, The Inn of the Good Shepherd, River City Vineyard, County of Lambton Outreach Team, and the Ministry of Transportation.
