Phase 3 Of Austin's Camping Ban Is Now In Effect

Austin TX

12 July, 2021

9:21 AM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — The third phase of Austin's camping ban will involve more citations for those who've already received fair warning, officials said. The city's phase 3, which went into effect Sunday, gives Austin police permission to issue citations to those who've already received written warnings for staying in restricted areas. Arrests for violating the camping ordinance will only be utilized in situations where individuals refuse to vacate areas that have been deemed dangerous to the public. Phase 3 will continue through Aug. 7. The new city ordinance, known to many as Proposition B, makes it a criminal offense (Class C misdemeanor) for anyone to camp in public areas, sit or lie down in the downtown or UT campus areas, or solicit money or other things of value at specific hours and locations. The ordinance went into effect on May 11 after residents voted for the proposition on May 1. RELATED: Austin's Camping Ban Begins May 11. Here's What You Need To Know. Since mid-June, police officers have given written warnings to individuals in violation of the city's homeless camping ban. Repeat offenders were given citations, officials said. City officials said residents camping across the city have been provided with information about alternative options such as storing personal items, getting assessed for housing resources and connecting them to other resources through the multidisciplinary Homeless Outreach Street Teams and or the Downtown Austin Community Court's triage case managers. MORE ON THAT STORY: Austin Will Issue Citations In Phase 2 Of Camping Ban Teams from APD will enforce the new ordinance by visiting sites and making assessments of any ordinance violations, officials said. Austin Fire will also assist officers to identify fire hazards and issue warnings. Officials said people residing at encampments will be advised to immediately address violations and otherwise begin preparing themselves to move. The city's phased approach pertains only to sites that were in existence prior to the new City ordinance, which went into effect on May 11. People who attempt to set up new camps are subject to immediate notification of violation, and enforcement action, if necessary, authorities said. Phase 4 is expected to begin Austin 8. From that date forward, any person violating the camping ordinance may be taken into custody if an officer issues a citation and the individual does not voluntarily leave the area, regardless of whether that area is specifically deemed dangerous to health or safety. Authorities said in cases where officers arrest a person for violating the city's camping ordinance, the individual will processed through the Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) whenever possible. This means that DACC will provide individuals the ability to immediately see the judge, instead of being booked into jail, and will have access to DACC's continuum of social service supports. For more information about the homeless camping ban, visit the city's website. RELATED COVERAGE:Woman Killed In Wrong-Way Crash On West Ben White Boulevard ID'd 2 Round Rock Teens Face Capital Murder Charge In 2020 Homicide Austin PD, FBI Seek Help ID'ing Suspect Linked To Bank Robbery