Works to respond to reports of issues with homeless individuals in unincorporated areas of Sacramento County. The HOT Team engages reported individuals experiencing homelessness with services, along with enforcement when necessary.

The goal of the HOT program is to reduce homelessness and homeless-related calls for service by:

• Providing ongoing personal contact between the HOT officers and homeless individuals to increase trust and make referrals to service providers.
• Development of multi-agency partnerships to increase collaboration between law enforcement and service providers in order to assist the homeless in becoming self-sufficient.
• Working closely with local outreach organizations to coordinate medical and mental health services, housing, and employment for homeless individuals. Resource connections may include the DMV, Employment Agencies, Job Search Resources, Substance Use Services, and VA Services.
• Enforcement of law violations (i.e., trespassing, illegal camping, public intoxication, aggressive or prohibited panhandling, etc.).

In order to accomplish their mission, HOT officers will:

• Educate individuals experiencing homelessness on what services are available through the local Continuum of Care.
• Build rapport and provide encouragement to individuals experiencing homelessness upon every contact to accept services to make a change in their situation.
• Use enforcement action when education and encouragement have failed or if the situation dictates immediate action.

Homeless Outreach Program Overview

The HOT Team does not dispatch personnel to provide welfare checks or shelter assessments.