The Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) is forging ahead with Operation Relentless Sun.
They are on a mission to enforce the law in hot-spot areas as well as enlighten the homeless to available resources.
On Facebook this week, the PSPD reported on compliance checks conducted under Operation Relentless Sun that resulted in the arrest of a total of eight individuals. Of those charged, three faced felony warrants, four had misdemeanor warrants and one was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia, which was an on-site charge. As far as helping the homeless in accord with another aspect of the operation's mission, police gave five persons information about assistance resources.
The hot spots identified for this chapter of the campaign was the wash under Gene Autry Bridge and on East Palm Canyon near the Smoke Tree Commons area.
“As part of Operation Relentless Sun, it is our goal to continue to do enforcement sweeps in the hot spot areas, to hold those accountable who are refusing to obey the laws and also to deter them from committing crimes," PSPD Lt. Mike Villegas said. "Our officers did a great job with their enforcement efforts, and I know our community truly appreciates everything that they are doing.”
Participating in the latest Operation Relentless Sun detail this week were six PSPD officers and one jail transport officer.
Through its efforts, the department now has a better idea of the numbers of homeless in the city, having identified 418 people as of April 1; the Facebook post said.
PSPD expressed a commitment to keeping the community informed of its accomplishments with Operation Relentless Sun."
A Desert Sun article breaks down the operation into three elements, starting with a marketing plan to let homeless people know of the consequences of their actions. The second step is to connect all the homeless persons identified with resources that can help them. Lastly, there will be legal action against those who will not accept any help.