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5.A. - Page 2 <br /> ANALYSIS <br /> Prior to launching Project Safe, the Department examined the many facets associated <br /> with the public safety concerns at Sequoia Station. This analysis has included <br /> identifying key stakeholders, underlying causal factors and practical solutions. <br /> Crime and Disorder <br /> Criminal violations observed at Sequoia Station range from public intoxication <br /> and aggressive panhandling, to narcotics sales and on some occasions, physical <br /> assaults. Some of these issues can be characterized as forthright criminal <br /> conduct, however many issues relating to this conduct are often seamlessly <br /> integrated with other concerns that are non-criminal in nature. These include <br /> mental health, homelessness and substance addiction. For example, an <br /> individual who is most appropriately afforded mental health resources today may <br /> be arrested for narcotics sales or assault tomorrow. Since these challenges <br /> require different interventions, Department personnel are striving to address <br /> these problems with more holistic approaches designed to mitigate the <br /> underlying causes of criminal conduct. <br /> Mental Health Issues <br /> It has been determined through numerous contacts and field interviews over a <br /> protracted period of time that Sequoia Station is a gathering location for <br /> individuals faced with various mental health challenges. To date, the most <br /> significant concern is whether these individuals are receiving the resources and <br /> appropriate supervision they need to integrate successfully and peacefully into <br /> society. Research by the Department has shown that multiple mental health <br /> service providers, including nearby residential care homes, have sent or <br /> transported mental health clients to Sequoia Station in an attempt to facilitate <br /> their clients' societal acclimation. What has emerged as a chief concern is <br /> whether those service providers are providing the necessary level of oversight to <br /> these clients while they are at Sequoia Station. The Department feels that it is <br /> self-evident that all such clients deserve the support and supervision necessary <br /> to succeed in this endeavor. In order to prevent conflict with patrons, businesses, <br /> and others facing mental health challenges, the Department felt it necessary to <br /> examine to what extent these supportive services were being provided. <br /> Since numerous mental health agencies are involved in this issue, the <br /> Department has begun establishing ongoing relationships with these entities in <br /> an attempt to forge consistency in their operational protocols, and to produce <br /> better collaboration among all stakeholders. The outcome now being sought is to <br /> produce operational practices that are mutually beneficial to those clients <br /> receiving services and the community at-large. To date, significant success has <br /> been realized through these efforts, however much work remains to be done with <br /> some of these agencies and sustainable change will come only through <br /> strengthening these interagency relationships. <br />