San Diego Homeless Found More Likely to be Perpetrators and Victims of Crime
In a recent report released by San Diego County District Attorney's Office, 83 percent of homeless defendants had two to four new cases filed against them by local prosecutors and 15 percent had five to nine new cases filed.
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New numbers released by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office show homeless people in San Diego are far more likely to commit crimes and be the victims of ones compared to the rest of the local population, reports CBS8. According to the DAs office, based on two years of county data compiled from November of 2019 until October of 2021, those experiencing homelessness have been involved with crime “at dramatically higher rates than the rest of the population,” whether as victims or offenders. Recidivism rates among the homeless population were also high, with 83 percent of defendants having two to four new cases filed against them by local prosecutors and 15 percent having five to nine new cases filed. The DA’s office has released a three-point plan it says will address the issue: Developing an app that locates available shelter beds, treatment, and housing options for homeless people; the development of a Homeless Enhanced Legal Program aimed at addressing the legal issues of those experiencing chronic homelessness, as well as substance abuse and mental health issues; and supporting a change to state law allowing for an individual’s involuntary commitment for up to 72 hours if they are found by a licensed mental health practitioner to require such psychiatric treatment.
