OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Homelessness isn’t a problem with a single solution. It’s a layered issue involving mental health, addiction, and circumstance – and Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken knows that tackling it requires more than just law enforcement.

“The whole issue of homelessness is extremely complex,” says Balken, who believes the only way to make meaningful progress is through a “holistic approach” involving government agencies, nonprofits, and community partners.

This includes organizations like Brothers Keeper, the Ocala Housing Authority, and the Ocala-Marion Joint Office of Homeless Prevention, led by former police Major Robin Ford.

Community Collaboration

“Our primary function as law enforcement officers is to enforce the law and ensure that we keep up with public safety,” says Balken. “With that said, we do work closely with our local office of homeless prevention.”

Ford, still a reserve officer, helps share data to identify where homeless individuals are and what they need.

“She’s still one of my reserve police officers… there’s a lot of data and information sharing on where these homeless folks are and who needs what,” says Balken. 

Quality-of-Life Patrols

Balken has assigned a sergeant and officers to handle quality-of-life issues daily.

“They run into homeless folks day in and day out,” he says. “They put in an effort to make sure that everybody knows where the problems are and who needs what types of services.”

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Balken says that problems differ from person to person, with some struggling with drug addiction, mental illness, and others making poor life decisions. 

No two cases are the same.

“Each person requires a special approach,” Balken says, noting causes range from addiction to mental illness to bad decisions.

Mental Health and Addiction

A growing concern is the number of Baker Acts. Last year, OPD estimates around 400 people were placed under it.

“We see that a lot with the homeless, where they exhibit dangerous behavior or an inability to take care of themselves,” Balken says. “We bring them in under a Baker Act and deliver them to a receiving facility.”

Addiction is another major issue.

“The homeless are vulnerable targets for our drug dealers,” Balken says. “We do a pretty good job of trying to thwart those dealers from reaching the homeless.”

Officers also use the Marchman Act to involuntarily admit those suffering from severe addiction.

“There’s a drug epidemic, certainly a fentanyl epidemic in the United States,” he says. “The U.S. is one of the top consumers of illegal narcotics on the planet.”

Balancing Enforcement and Compassion

Balken wants to dispel the notion that police target the homeless.

“The Ocala Police Department is going to remain dedicated to vigorously enforcing the law for the safety and security of all of our citizens,” says Balken. “We don’t care whether you live in a mansion or on the streets – if you break the law, we’re going to hold you accountable.”

Getting Help to Stick

“The biggest challenge,” says Balken, “is getting them to take advantage of the resources that are already here. But they have to want the help.”

“Sometimes people have to hit rock bottom before they reach out,” he adds. “We unfortunately see the fallout of that progression.”

“I think there are certain times where people have to hit rock bottom before they reach out for that help,” he adds. “And we unfortunately see the fallout of that progression.”

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