[inkblot]

Local police have been targeting homeless people recently and last night I was one of them. Especially on nights when rain is forecasted, I will often sleep in an area behind stores in the downtown area. Above most of the stores are condos. The stage theater is the only business in the immediate area that might still have workers inside after the last performance when I arrive for the night. I respect the businesses nearby and only go there late and I get up and leave early. Many if not most of the residents and workers nearby who have actually seen me are fine with me being there. They socialize with me and have on occasion brought me food. One such resident who also owns one of the nearby businesses is an ex-police officer.

Last night the officer--who happened to have a dog with him--went out of bounds to come to the area where I was staying purposely looking for someone homeless. He said I can't stay there, that I am trespassing, and threatened to arrest me if I came back the next night. I stayed in that spot all last summer and thus far with my "neighbors" welcoming me, so I asked if someone complained. I didn't get a straight answer at first. He first said that HE is complaining. Eventually he admitted that there was NO COMPLAINT made by anyone that I was there, but said that someone will. The way he said it made me wonder if he had a friend whom he could ask a favor to call and "complain" about me sometime. It would be an easy thing to fake for someone like that--just say they live in the area or that they were walking by and saw me. The officer having the dog was an obvious 2nd tactic to actually try and come up with an immediate arrest because so many homeless are on illegal drugs, and the dog would be able to smell the drugs making for an easy arrest. I am *NOT* happy and with my PTSD and the way I react to legal matters with police and the courthouse, I have a serious freakin attitude right now that is actually surpassing my emotional instability when it comes to things like this! I feel like I have been challenged--like I SHOULD go there again or purposely harass them my own way--being on the edge and waiting for their harassment attempt only so it can backfire at them. I could respect if an actual complaint was made, but NONE was made and the officer took it upon himself to decide my fate and say that I was trespassing. I am so freakin pissed off right now! I'm applying my bad attitude toward ALL the cops now--even a certain one who works well with and seems to like the homeless and I've liked. He's going to see some PTSD next time he says anything to me! That might surprise him.

[KathyM]

I'm so sorry to hear this happened to you. I wonder how well that policeman would fare if he lost his home and had to live on the streets. I wonder if he could remain courteous to people who viewed him as garbage and wanted him to disappear. My guess is he wouldn't last very long on the streets - neither would his dog.

The homeless people here in Chicago have provided me with some fine companionship whenever I've had to wait for my husband to get the car. I've listened to their stories, and I know their lives are hard. I've yet to meet a person who actually chose to be homeless. It can happen to anyone.

I hope and pray you'll be able to find a comfortable and safe place to sleep - preferably near people with warm hearts.

[gimmeice]

(((((((((((((((( Inkblot )))))))))))))))))))
I am sorry he acted that way towards you.

[wanttoheal]

Ugh, I'm so sorry inky. I'm not all that impressed with the police force where we are either (though I know there are some good ones). I'm so sorry he had such a judgmental attitude toward those struggling. Sometimes people can't see other people's struggles because they are unwilling to realize their own. I hope you find a safe place to sleep tonight. Please take care.

[Typo]

((((Inkblot))))

I'm sorry that officer did that to you..how rude..you where doing no wrong and people where not complaning...how horrible for him to treat you like that.

But don't let what one officer did affect the way you treat other police officers..there are bad cops and good cops like there are good and bad people. You said there was one that worked well with and like the homeless maybe you could talk to him about this other officer's behavior and he could report it to a commanding officer. Not all police officers are bad and burning bridges with them could get you into some trouble..espically with ones that actually want to help.

For now don't go back there..it's best you don't irratate this guy..it seems like he is just looking for stuff to stick his nose in..you going back there would give him reason to arrest you or get you in trouble.

Stay safe Inkblot and take care..don't let this jerk get to you..

Many hugs
Silver

[nothemama8]

Inky, have told you in the past ya need to come to PA, the homeless shelters are open year round here, have you had any luck getting SSI or SSD ?

[MyBestKids2]

(((Inky)))

I am with you!!!!

[sabby]

That's a crappy position to be in Inky....so sorry you are feeling this way and for what happened.

You say you know the businesses don't have a problem with you being there at night.....maybe you could get letters from the owners saying they have no problems with you being there and appreciate that you could be looking out for their businesses while you are there?? If that won't work, how about if they might be willing to call the PD and tell them they are ok with you being there? Just a thought...don't know if it's feasible or not.


sabby

[inkblot]

I don't know what will work. This is the police and I know how they are--my ex worked at a different police department when we were first married. He's not there anymore. The police in general are on a very definite mission, going so far as to literally *BAN* some people from town! We have rain and severe storms forecast for much of now through Monday, and there aren't really any good places where a person can sleep in that kind of weather and be safe! So I don't know what I am going to do--about a place to sleep or the $#@% police!! Wish I had a really good lawyer friend!

[314159pi]

inky i am very sorry for your problems. i dont know what i can do about it to help. but you made me very aware.
in my county a policeman is on trial in mount kisco new york for fatally beating a homeless alcoholic illegal alien. much more should be done to protect people from the police. if you have any advocacy ideas let me know.
pi

[splitimage]

Inkblot,

I'm really sorry that you got hassled by the police & that bad weather is forecast. I hope you're able to find someplace dry and safe to sleep tonight.

--splitimage

[bebop]

I am sorry you are getting that kind of treatment. I saw a piece somewhere the other day about a fenced in lot they have in some big city just for homeless women to sleep at night. they even have a guard. wish I could remember where that was though. maybe your city has something like that

[inkblot]

I saw that article recently, bebop. It was in California. I believe it was just for homeless people with cars. I'm in the Chicago area, and I don't have a car anymore. There really isn't much for homeless around here during the summer months--which means May 1st through October 1st. Shelter from rain at night will be very hard for me to find in walking distance--especially so soon. If I had a job, I'd go to the Motel 6 for a few days while trying to figure something out. I'm almost hoping something minor would happen to me that I'd have to go to the hospital for and be admitted for the weekend. Doubt that will happen.

[Jazz91]

that is not a good thing to hope for isnt there halfway houses there that would take u in that is such a horrible thing to be living through

[sarahlilianne]

(((((( inkblot )))))) I wish I could do something to help... Please stay safe and don't let this get to you Hun
Lily

[crazybones]

it is aweful that the police have nothing better to do then mess with the decent people in this world i challenge the police around here i tell them take off tht fancy badge and put down your guns fight like real men and women then you will have respect from me i am sorry tht police officer has botherd you i mean he obviously just came looking for something to do

[TaintedGoth1]

What a jerk!

The police are so corrupt anymore...makes me sick.