Rural Police and the Homeless Dilemma: A Legal Gray Area

In rural Wisconsin, police departments face a tough situation with homeless individuals. They often find themselves with no choice but to transport these people to shelters in larger cities. This practice has sparked a legal debate. The city of Eau Claire recently asked the state's attorney general to weigh in on whether this is even legal. The issue came to light when a Durand police officer picked up a homeless woman on a cold night. She had no place to stay and no way to pay for a hotel. The officer suggested taking her to a shelter in Eau Claire, about 40 minutes away. The woman agreed, and the officer transported her in handcuffs, following department policy. However, the shelter was full, and the officer left her there without contacting staff or city officials. This incident is not unique. Other police departments in the area have done the same. The problem is that these cities often don't have the resources to handle an influx of homeless individuals. It's a tough spot for everyone involved. The police are just trying to help, but they're also stuck between a rock and a hard place. The attorney general's office has not yet weighed in on the matter. But it's clear that this is a statewide problem. Police chiefs in other cities have dealt with similar issues. They've all struggled with people from outside their areas coming in to use their resources. It's a complicated situation with no easy answers. One thing is clear: this practice needs to be addressed. It's not fair to the homeless individuals, and it's not fair to the cities that have to deal with the aftermath. The state needs to step in and provide more resources for rural areas. Until then, police departments will continue to struggle with this difficult issue. In California, the city of Santa Cruz has taken a stand against this practice. They've outlawed the transportation of homeless individuals into the city without prior coordination. This has pressured surrounding communities to ramp up their own resources. It's a step in the right direction, but it's not a solution. The state needs to do more to address this growing problem. The homeless population in Wisconsin has been rising since 2021. Despite this, the state has not increased funding for homeless services. In fact, the Legislature rejected the governor's recommendations to spend more on emergency shelter and housing grants. This is a problem that needs to be addressed at the state level. Until then, rural police departments will continue to struggle with this difficult issue.