Police, Salvos take hundreds of rough sleepers off city streets
Rough sleeping and begging is a blight on our city but a new program involving Victoria Police and other agencies is offering support to vulnerable people while keeping our city safe.
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Hundreds of rough sleepers and beggars have been taken off city streets under an unprecedented operation between Victoria Police and other agencies.
Police, City of Melbourne officers and Salvation Army welfare workers have joined forces in daily patrols to provide support for vulnerable people while tackling crime on the spot.
Rough sleeping and begging in the CBD has been a constant sore point, with residents, visitors and traders often confronted with appalling scenes.
But under the new Operation Protocol, more than 200 people have been relocated to emergency accommodation in hotels, and given support services, while longer-term housing is found.
The joint operation had been planned for some time, but the closing of the Salvation Army’s night cafe in Bourke St due to coronavirus restrictions meant that quick action was needed.
The cafe routinely hosted more than 150 homeless people nightly, but now can only offer a takeaway service for food and drink.
Inspector Troy Papworth, from Melbourne East Police Station, said Operation Protocol’s focus was on the Salvos and the council initially offering support services and housing options.
“We can also bring to bear some support services and referrals, but we also have that authority there to deal with the situation if it’s starting to become violent, if it’s starting to escalate into criminal behaviour,” he said.
Over a three-week period, 216 people have been housed in hotels, but 73 rough sleepers rejected the offer.
Only five arrests were made for outstanding warrants and related matters.
Insp Papworth said the visible police presence on the streets was vital as rough sleeping and anti-social behaviour could be very confronting and intimidating.
“It’s important being able to see that Victoria Police are taking action and that we are having an effect. And we wouldn’t be able to have that effect if it wasn’t for the co-operation and buy-in from the Salvation Army and the City of Melbourne,” he said.
The state Department of Health and Human Services is funding the hotel stays.
Cr Beverley Pinder, who chairs council’s People City portfolio, said Operation Protocol was the “ultimate in collaboration” to address a highly complex problem.
“With a swift rolling up of sleeves, we have housed a great number of people who call the streets of our CBD home, and we are duly proud of this,” she said.
“What we now need to explore is a consistent approach to their long-term needs.”
Salvation Army Project 614 leader Major Brendan Nottle said Operation Protocol facilitated the efficient delivery of services while allowing police to deal with aggressive and violent behaviour.
“Support has to address people’s physical and mental health issues, addiction issues and trauma as well,” he said.
“We’re hoping that it paints a picture of what the future might potentially look like, and that is no one on the streets.”
EMILY NOW HAS A HOME
Homeless woman Emily has been camping out with her dog Jessie near the Bourke St Mall in Melbourne’s CBD.
Emily finds it hard getting accommodation because of the dog, saying: “I sleep in and out of squats. I was staying with friends but I can’t do that now because of the coronavirus situation.”
But there was good news for her from Salvos welfare worker Phoebe Avenell this week: “We’ve found a place that will accept Emily — and her dog.”
This is another result from Operation Protocol — a joint effort between police, City of Melbourne and the Salvos to deal more effectively with those sleeping rough in the city.
It involves daily patrols of up to 15 police officers, who scour the CBD with council and welfare workers looking for people needing help, or dealing with those causing trouble.
When the Herald Sun saw them at work this week, a dishevelled old man sitting on a bench in Bourke St was not happy to see the Operation Protocol entourage approach.
“P--- off,” he shouted at Ms Avenell, who didn’t seem perturbed by the encounter.
She knows the bloke, but arranged for another Salvos worker — whom the homeless man likes — to make contact later.
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