Report it to the Action Center. I have gotten results with them lately on this same issue with the encampments under the Belle Isle Bridge complex as well as the overpass at N. May and NW Expressway. https://www.okc.gov/residents/action-center/report

They already come out to that location nearly every day and clean it out. Everything is back again with a day or two.

I wonder where they’ll go when they redo the Belle isle bridge and place it below grade. That happens later this decade into the early 2030s.

I wonder where they’ll go when they redo the Belle isle bridge and place it below grade. That happens later this decade into the early 2030s.

do you have a link to this plan or anywhere where it is discussed?

Report it to the Action Center. I have gotten results with them lately on this same issue with the encampments under the Belle Isle Bridge complex as well as the overpass at N. May and NW Expressway. https://www.okc.gov/residents/action-center/report

There was a firetruck there this morning putting out a fire that they had started.

I wonder where they’ll go when they redo the Belle isle bridge and place it below grade. That happens later this decade into the early 2030s.

How? It's in a creek-bottom.

do you have a link to this plan or anywhere where it is discussed?
This is all I could find from the Journal Record:


OKLAHOMA CITY – State transportation officials will vote Monday on an engineering contract to study the removal of the Belle Isle bridge.

MacArthur Associated Consultants is being considered for a $1.9 million preliminary engineering design contract that would examine the structure and also plan for reconstruction of part of Interstate 44.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has recently finished rehabilitation work on the bridge, and more work is scheduled to begin this fall, ODOT spokeswoman Mills Gotcher said.

In April 2015, the bridge was narrowed to two lanes while workers rehabilitated the piers, some of which had disintegrating rebar and concrete.

The Belle Isle section of the highway sits over a large commercial development and intersects with major city roads like Classen Boulevard and Pennsylvania Avenue. The bridge also connects to the southeastern terminus of the Northwest Expressway.

The engineers will evaluate how the bridge could be lowered and otherwise improved.

“We’ll look at everything from the height, to how far we want to reconstruct it to its impact at different intersections,” Gotcher said. “There are a lot of interesting intersections along that area, so we’ll have to examine all of those.”

There will also be an environmental study ordered because of a former water park in the area.

When the engineering work is complete, the Belle Isle project will go on the department’s eight-year plan, a long-term list of projects.

“We just have to get this out of the way and put it in the rotation,” Gotcher said. “We’re looking kind of far out there.”

- https://journalrecord.com/2016/06/02/looking-down-the-road-contract-ould-allow-study-of-rebuilding-belle-isle-bridge-capitol/

Spoke to the resident engineer for the project at the time and said they are leaning towards a below grade segment from Classen to NWE and widening it to 8 lanes from I-235 to Hefner Parkway. None of this is set in stone but utilities and ROW are in 8 yr plan as is the actual reconstruction of the SH-66/SH-74/I-44 interchange which could give us more insight on the amount of lanes the freeway will have.

How? It's in a creek-bottom.
That’s what I thought too but I’m not sure.

8 lanes to Hefner Pky would be a nice flow. The 44/Hp interchange in both directions is an absolute sh&t show.

8 lanes to Hefner Pky would be a nice flow. The 44/Hp interchange in both directions is an absolute sh&t show.
We'll see what happens. I’m sure we’ll get an update via a public outreach meeting before 2030 and I would guess it will be in next 2-3 years.

Noticed a new homeless camp pop up this weekend, well it, it is new to me, maybe not everyone else. It is just south of NW 36th Street on the west side of 44. If you were to go from 36th south to get onto the I-44 on ramp, it is right there to the right. I went to gym early this morning and early Saturday and it was exactly the same. It is pretty visible from the highway.

downtown norman posted on Instagram that a restaurant worker was stabbed by a homeless man during an altercation and is basically asking that they be banned from downtown. Not exactly sure how a ban would be enforced or if it is even constitutional, but apparently we are at that point.

downtown norman posted on Instagram that a restaurant worker was stabbed by a homeless man during an altercation and is basically asking that they be banned from downtown. Not exactly sure how a ban would be enforced or if it is even constitutional, but apparently we are at that point.

the post says that they want to work with city reps, police and sheriffs to return downtown to a safe district. i don't read that as an ban on them from downtown... i think that is a jump in logic to a conclusion that isn't even inferred.

Noticed a new homeless camp pop up this weekend, well it, it is new to me, maybe not everyone else. It is just south of NW 36th Street on the west side of 44. If you were to go from 36th south to get onto the I-44 on ramp, it is right there to the right. I went to gym early this morning and early Saturday and it was exactly the same. It is pretty visible from the highway.I'm that way often and haven't seen it before. Must be pretty new.

the post says that they want to work with city reps, police and sheriffs to return downtown to a safe district. i don't read that as an ban on them from downtown... i think that is a jump in logic to a conclusion that isn't even inferred.

The text in the post (a screenshot of a post by Brady Sexton) says "they need to keep unsafe people off of our sidewalks. The idea that the rights of those people supersede the rights of my employees to be safe at work is unreasonable. The fact that the right to camp overshadows our rights to own and operate a business is outrageous." The next screenshot is poorly cropped, but says something to the effect of he doesn't call the police unless someone is being violent because they won't do anything about it anyway.

I could be misreading it, but that's how I took it

The text in the post (a screenshot of a post by Brady Sexton) says "they need to keep unsafe people off of our sidewalks. The idea that the rights of those people supersede the rights of my employees to be safe at work is unreasonable. The fact that the right to camp overshadows our rights to own and operate a business is outrageous." The next screenshot is poorly cropped, but says something to the effect of he doesn't call the police unless someone is being violent because they won't do anything about it anyway.

I could be misreading it, but that's how I took it

yes. that is what the screenshot post said.... but their post in which they shared that does not contain that language or anything so specific. except wanting to return downtown norman to a safe district.

so some person who works at a restaurant said that, but not the downtown norman group. i

yes. that is what the screenshot post said.... but their post in which they shared that does not contain that language or anything so specific. except wanting to return downtown norman to a safe district.

so some person who works at a restaurant said that, but not the downtown norman group. i

The posting the screenshots feels like an endorsement of the point of view.

I'm that way often and haven't seen it before. Must be pretty new.

Been there many years. I thought it was permanently memorialized by the Target shopping cart that has sat on the west side of I-44 there for a couple years. At least it seems like one has been there that long. I think it is 2-3 blocks from the Police Briefing Station.

Been there many years. I thought it was permanently memorialized by the Target shopping cart that has sat on the west side of I-44 there for a couple years. At least it seems like one has been there that long. I think it is 2-3 blocks from the Police Briefing Station.

I never noticed it until this weekend. I think maybe it has become much more prominent recently.

I live about 4 blocks from the 44 & nw 36th camp. Its usually hidden by the trees next to the ODOT ROW and you'll see it more during the fall/winter. I ride my bicycle on the trails over here a bunch and usually its fine; just people sleeping at the covered benches. I have noticed a few random small tents in the park every now and again. It was wild to see people on the east side of 44 camping by the city park maintenance building.

https://www.okc.gov/Home/Components/News/News/4652/18 glad to see the city taking some action and I hope it can make a difference for some. I did notice this weekend that they have large concrete blocks under the I-44/Penn bridge to prevent shopping carts from being pushed in and looked like they had some kind of steel blocking off the areas at the top of the slope where people were sleeping.

https://www.okc.gov/Home/Components/News/News/4652/18 glad to see the city taking some action and I hope it can make a difference for some. I did notice this weekend that they have large concrete blocks under the I-44/Penn bridge to prevent shopping carts from being pushed in and looked like they had some kind of steel blocking off the areas at the top of the slope where people were sleeping.

That's very good to see.

As I've mentioned, the City, County and Police were out there virtually every day, as was a big cleaning crew.

It's incredible the amount of trash even 20 people can make in a day. It would get cleaned up, and then the cycle would repeat day after day, month after month.

It's got to be cheaper to just house these poor people, and a million times more humane.


The issue is going to be the panhandling. They build camps where they can beg for money at an intersection and they all have cell phones (ever notice how those 'free phone' places put up pop-up tents near these camps?) and it won't be long before others move into those spots.

Tough love and treatment is the answer. Enabling them to just maintain and continue the behavior only hurts them in the long run.

Reno Ave and Western under OKC Blvd has had piles of debris lately. It just looks horrible. The constant upkeep, like Pete mentioned, must be enormous.

Reno Ave and Western under OKC Blvd has had piles of debris lately. It just looks horrible. The constant upkeep, like Pete mentioned, must be enormous.

Write the Action Center once a week or more if you have to. I have done this with other locations and things do get taken care of if you are persistent about it. It works!

Write the Action Center once a week or more if you have to. I have done this with other locations and things do get taken care of if you are persistent about it. It works!

Actually, I do contact the Action Center, for other issues but never for homeless camps. And yes, it works.

Reno Ave and Western under OKC Blvd has had piles of debris lately. It just looks horrible. The constant upkeep, like Pete mentioned, must be enormous.

They cleaned the soot off the walls recently (idk if by washing or painting or both). And yesterday morning when I drove by, a group of 4-5 people had a campfire going about 6ft from the walls.

Tough love and treatment is the answer. Enabling them to just maintain and continue the behavior only hurts them in the long run.

Yup, the easier it is to be homeless the more homeless there will become. I know how harsh that sounds, but its the unfortunate truth.

Tough love and treatment is the answer. Enabling them to just maintain and continue the behavior only hurts them in the long run.

What does "tough love" look like to you and how do you personally determine who deserves tough love and who deserves help and kindness? What is the success rate of "tough love" programs in the US?

I hear a lot of chest beating and pontificating about tough love, but it usually means "do nothing to help" and "look the other way". I see very little info on what it is and how it actually improves "the long run".

Yup, the easier it is to be homeless the more homeless there will become. I know how harsh that sounds, but its the unfortunate truth.

I am not piling on. But, your statement makes homelessness appear to be aspirational? I'm not sure there is anything "easier" to become than flat broke with no place to live?

Yesterday, while I was at work, a homeless person was asked to leave our business's property. He refused to leave, and the police were called. One of our owners had a conversation with the Police, who showed up on the scene to ask this person to leave. It was stated to our owner by the Police that he should protect his property by owning an AR-15 and that the Police have been ordered to leave the homeless alone because they are dangerous. I'm not sure what this means, but it sure seems like they are refusing to help with the situation and referred to the mental health department. We have sent many types of communications to many different departments without help. Does anyone else seem to be having the same experience?

Haven't had that experience because I'm not a business owner, but have read that Tulsa's approach is working out pretty well, here's something about it, be nice if OKC implemented something like that (not sure if they have or plan to):

https://www.newson6.com/story/658f65d1879ab35db18fe0c9/tulsa-police-to-start-new-integrated-response-team-to-respond-to-mental-health-calls

Yesterday, while I was at work, a homeless person was asked to leave our business's property. He refused to leave, and the police were called. One of our owners had a conversation with the Police, who showed up on the scene to ask this person to leave. It was stated to our owner by the Police that he should protect his property by owning an AR-15 and that the Police have been ordered to leave the homeless alone because they are dangerous. I'm not sure what this means, but it sure seems like they are refusing to help with the situation and referred to the mental health department. We have sent many types of communications to many different departments without help. Does anyone else seem to be having the same experience?
The OKCPD has been instructed not to engage with "dangerous" individuals? And they are suggesting business owners take the law into their own hands by arming themselves? What kind of police force is OKC paying for?

The OKCPD has been instructed not to engage with "dangerous" individuals? And they are suggesting business owners take the law into their own hands by arming themselves? What kind of police force is OKC paying for?

I'm guessing something is getting lost in translation. I "think" that OKCPD no longer takes people to jail for simple trespassing. It might be part of the ongoing effort to stop criminalizing being poor, or homeless, and a strong desire to reduce the jail population overall. An effort to deescalate police interaction probably makes it more desirable to identify people having mental health issues and trying to get them help more quickly. A couple years ago I watched officers work for about an hour getting a woman reasoned with and into a squad car, where they were getting her help. Admirable effort.

If you ask an officer "what am I supposed to protect my property?" Then you might get the answer "Buy an AR-15".

I'm guessing something is getting lost in translation. I "think" that OKCPD no longer takes people to jail for simple trespassing. It might be part of the ongoing effort to stop criminalizing being poor, or homeless, and a strong desire to reduce the jail population overall. An effort to deescalate police interaction probably makes it more desirable to identify people having mental health issues and trying to get them help more quickly. A couple years ago I watched officers work for about an hour getting a woman reasoned with and into a squad car, where they were getting her help. Admirable effort.

If you ask an officer "what am I supposed to protect my property?" Then you might get the answer "Buy an AR-15".

We have dealt with the homeless for years now. We are located close to Homeless Alliance. We have tried to work with them and the city council to work something out. Nothing has been done to help the surrounding business owners, so some have decided to take matters into their own hands. We didn't ask the Police what we should do to protect our property, and it was suggested we get an AR-15 because another property owner in the area has done so. We did not press charges but were asked if we would like to. We were glad that the person did not get arrested. We do not feel like we are in danger from the homeless. We fear a fire burning down a building. It has happened many times down here, including last week.

This has more to do with the lack of support our city officials give the homeless. The Homeless Alliance is only a bandaid and can't do much if the city lacks services to help the homeless.

Haven't had that experience because I'm not a business owner, but have read that Tulsa's approach is working out pretty well, here's something about it, be nice if OKC implemented something like that (not sure if they have or plan to):

https://www.newson6.com/story/658f65d1879ab35db18fe0c9/tulsa-police-to-start-new-integrated-response-team-to-respond-to-mental-health-calls

OKC, last July (I think) implemented Houston's very successful program, so I expect to see results soon.

We have dealt with the homeless for years now. We are located close to Homeless Alliance. We have tried to work with them and the city council to work something out. Nothing has been done to help the surrounding business owners, so some have decided to take matters into their own hands. We didn't ask the Police what we should do to protect our property, and it was suggested we get an AR-15 because another property owner in the area has done so. We did not press charges but were asked if we would like to. We were glad that the person did not get arrested. We do not feel like we are in danger from the homeless. We fear a fire burning down a building. It has happened many times down here, including last week.

This has more to do with the lack of support our city officials give the homeless. The Homeless Alliance is only a bandaid and can't do much if the city lacks services to help the homeless.

I'm a little more than a mile west and north of you. Been there 40 years. It is a real challenge. Arson fires, theft, vandalism. Cost me over a quarter million dollars over the years. Not for the faint of heart. Never owned a gun in my life and I don't feel the need. Treat them with respect, help if possible and easy, be firm and keep them moving. I absolutely respect them and don't screw with them. They generally reciprocate.

I do wish the city did more for them.

Living near I-44 & Penn, the City has pretty much resolved the long-standing problems in that area.

There are still some panhandlers at the intersection, but no longer any sort of camp and when a tent pops up, it gets taken care of.

They transitioned most of those people into low-threshold housing; requiring sobriety just doesn't work for most this population and that's why they prefer to stay on the street. They are basically following the very successful model pioneered by Houston and continue to add more apartments and shelters.

It's all part of a new "Key to Home" program:
https://www.okc.gov/government/key-to-home

Anyone can call 2-1-1 to be connected to resources.


BTW, James Cooper deserves a lot of credit in this area. That dude works his tail off and is always realistic about the compromises required to accomplish anything in politics. Asst. City Manager Aubrey McDermid has also been incredible. We have some really good people working for OKC these days.

It is very good to see OKC being proactive in this situation. Denver has let the problem run out of control and is spending hundreds of millions $ buying hotels in residential areas, building tiny home communities and sweeping encampments. They are doing this at the expense of mowing parks, license and permit services and a reduction of the police force.

It is very good to see OKC being proactive in this situation. Denver has let the problem run out of control and is spending hundreds of millions $ buying hotels in residential areas, building tiny home communities and sweeping encampments. They are doing this at the expense of mowing parks, license and permit services and a reduction of the police force.

Mug, I am curious... did the homeless problem increase decrease or have little to no affect after marijuana was legalized?

Mug, I am curious... did the homeless problem increase decrease or have little to no affect after marijuana was legalized?

I think alcohol is way, way more a problem than pot.

I'm a little more than a mile west and north of you. Been there 40 years. It is a real challenge. Arson fires, theft, vandalism. Cost me over a quarter million dollars over the years. Not for the faint of heart. Never owned a gun in my life and I don't feel the need. Treat them with respect, help if possible and easy, be firm and keep them moving. I absolutely respect them and don't screw with them. They generally reciprocate.

I do wish the city did more for them.

We worry about all of that. We pay a security team to patrol every night and check on us during the day. We have also spent a lot of money on new fencing at our main doors. We try to treat all of them with respect and usually save our anger for the officials who morally shame us or do nothing to help at all.

I am sorry you have had to spend so much money as well just to keep your property safe.

Living near I-44 & Penn, the City has pretty much resolved the long-standing problems in that area.

There are still some panhandlers at the intersection, but no longer any sort of camp and when a tent pops up, it gets taken care of.

They transitioned most of those people into low-threshold housing; requiring sobriety just doesn't work for most this population and that's why they prefer to stay on the street. They are basically following the very successful model pioneered by Houston and continue to add more apartments and shelters.

It's all part of a new "Key to Home" program:
https://www.okc.gov/government/key-to-home

Anyone can call 2-1-1 to be connected to resources.


BTW, James Cooper deserves a lot of credit in this area. That dude works his tail off and is always realistic about the compromises required to accomplish anything in politics. Asst. City Manager Aubrey McDermid has also been incredible. We have some really good people working for OKC these days.

Thanks for those resources. We will start contacting those. Our Council Person refuses to even take our calls.

Mug, I am curious... did the homeless problem increase decrease or have little to no affect after marijuana was legalized?

I’m told by officers up there on the street, that as they look back the weed issue was a turning point.

We as a society need to put more into care for those with mental heath issues. It is not always a money issue but having the tools to get the people into the care they need and having the tools to keep them getting the care they need. I know of two cases well families with money were unable to keep their loved ones in care because the person did not want help for their mental issues. For those without money/family that cares, what are they to do? They are on the streets. There needs to be a better way.

I honestly think that folks commenting on homelessness in OKC should understand the (hopefully) seismic shift underway related to how OKC addresses the issue, and that begins with understanding the new “Key to Home” program. It’s not an issue that can be solved overnight. Short of becoming a police state and locking people up simply for being destitute and not having a place to sleep, there’s not a simple way to make the issue “go away,” and criminalizing homelessness doesn’t “fix” anything. In fact, it breaks more than it fixes.

Though Key to Home is quite new, it has gained lots of traction. Nearly 1500 individuals were re-housed in 2023. If you take some time to actually read about it, and take a look at who is involved, you’ll understand that OKC is highly committed to getting a handle on homelessness: https://www.okc.gov/government/about-key-to-home

Of course I’m sure few if any commenters here will actually take the time to click through the links provided.

Living near I-44 & Penn, the City has pretty much resolved the long-standing problems in that area.

There are still some panhandlers at the intersection, but no longer any sort of camp and when a tent pops up, it gets taken care of.

They transitioned most of those people into low-threshold housing; requiring sobriety just doesn't work for most this population and that's why they prefer to stay on the street. They are basically following the very successful model pioneered by Houston and continue to add more apartments and shelters.

It's all part of a new "Key to Home" program:
https://www.okc.gov/government/key-to-home

Anyone can call 2-1-1 to be connected to resources.


BTW, James Cooper deserves a lot of credit in this area. That dude works his tail off and is always realistic about the compromises required to accomplish anything in politics. Asst. City Manager Aubrey McDermid has also been incredible. We have some really good people working for OKC these days.
Housing the homeless is a passion for Cooper. He is a great public servant. People need to get involved with the Alliance and with the OKC Community Foundation.

I’m told by officers up there on the street, that as they look back the weed issue was a turning point.

So, where is the non anecdotal evidence pot has increased homelessness in OKC? Stoners opting to live on the streets? Stoners being violent? Uptick in theft of Doritos? Doubt you will find objective qualification of the idea that legalizing medicinal pot abetted an upsurge in homelessness in OKC. More likely it increases a bunch of old geezers who lose their keys and gain weight.

I just want to add that not all homeless have addicition issues or mental health issues, but many do have these issues. I agree the Key to Home is a good idea. I try to support City Rescue Mission and their programs. I cannot do the big things but if more people step up to help in small ways then maybe we can do big things. I just think we need to think out of the old box for solutions. Maybe even creating areas for the homeless to camp like back in the 30s with community camp area that would have a water tap and toilet/shower facilities. Low bar to camp there, I dont have the answers, just willing to help in a small way.

So, where is the non anecdotal evidence pot has increased homelessness in OKC? Stoners opting to live on the streets? Stoners being violent? Uptick in theft of Doritos? Doubt you will find objective qualification of the idea that legalizing medicinal pot abetted an upsurge in homelessness in OKC. More likely it increases a bunch of old geezers who lose their keys and gain weight.

This is purely anecdotal, but I never smell weed being smoked near any homeless camps or gathering spots near my shop. See plenty of empty KD (Kentucky Deluxe) bottles. Never any weed.

Again, anecdotally, but from my POV, alcohol and meth are the two big addiction issues for the homeless.

This is purely anecdotal, but I never smell weed being smoked near any homeless camps or gathering spots near my shop. See plenty of empty KD (Kentucky Deluxe) bottles. Never any weed.

I will back you up on this. In our area, it is mainly those struggling with Meth, Heroin, and Alcoholism. There are plenty who are just financially unable to house themselves. Some is purely about how medical bills and loss of income have happened to them. Others only get addicted after they have been on the street for other reasons completely.

I gave a ride to a homeless man a few years ago. He explained to me that he used meth when he was homeless because it kept him awake and suppressed his appetite.

Mug, I am curious... did the homeless problem increase decrease or have little to no affect after marijuana was legalized?

Increased SIGNIFICANTLY here in the Seattle area (and esp Portland, OR). But I think the real driver in homelessness was the reduction/elimination of Mental Health programs by Congress in the mid-2010s. That decision has impacted EVERY big city, esp those more liberal and/or warmer.

Marijuana is a factor, particularly if it can be done in public with no recourse. But mental health is the real driver regardless of drug/alcohol use.

So, where is the non anecdotal evidence pot has increased homelessness in OKC? Stoners opting to live on the streets? Stoners being violent? Uptick in theft of Doritos? Doubt you will find objective qualification of the idea that legalizing medicinal pot abetted an upsurge in homelessness in OKC. More likely it increases a bunch of old geezers who lose their keys and gain weight.

If you read what I was replying to it was referencing Denver's problem. That is simply what was stated by those who work Denver's streets day in and day out and witnessed the transition in real time.

Now, does the marijuana issue increase other things? Yes it has when you are "prescribing" people marijuana but then not dictating what strain and THC level. You then get users consuming a product with a level of THC that results in PCP like effects. Do I care? At this point nope, the people spoke and voted for it so that is where it stops.

Increased SIGNIFICANTLY here in the Seattle area (and esp Portland, OR). But I think the real driver in homelessness was the reduction/elimination of Mental Health programs by Congress in the mid-2010s. That decision has impacted EVERY big city, esp those more liberal and/or warmer.

Marijuana is a factor, particularly if it can be done in public with no recourse. But mental health is the real driver regardless of drug/alcohol use.

Got any proof of that "SIGNIFICANT" increase? Pretty sure MJ legalziation (medical or recreational) does not have a direct (or primary) effect on increasing homelessness...

I gave a ride to a homeless man a few years ago. He explained to me that he used meth when he was homeless because it kept him awake and suppressed his appetite.

I would guess that meth use is why he was homeless, not meth use because he was homeless.

Got any proof of that "SIGNIFICANT" increase? Pretty sure MJ legalziation (medical or recreational) does not have a direct (or primary) effect on increasing homelessness...

observation. much more homeless in Seattle than before. Also much more violent! Research can be made if you google it.

Increased SIGNIFICANTLY here in the Seattle area (and esp Portland, OR). But I think the real driver in homelessness was the reduction/elimination of Mental Health programs by Congress in the mid-2010s. That decision has impacted EVERY big city, esp those more liberal and/or warmer.

Marijuana is a factor, particularly if it can be done in public with no recourse. But mental health is the real driver regardless of drug/alcohol use.

The defunding of federally-funded mental health programs is absolutely a main driver. Drugs are also a big part but more so fentanyl and heroin not as much marijuana. MJ gets blamed because it happened in conjunction with the reduction in mental health resources.

Haven't had that experience because I'm not a business owner, but have read that Tulsa's approach is working out pretty well, here's something about it, be nice if OKC implemented something like that (not sure if they have or plan to):

https://www.newson6.com/story/658f65d1879ab35db18fe0c9/tulsa-police-to-start-new-integrated-response-team-to-respond-to-mental-health-calls

OKC already does this.

Yesterday, while I was at work, a homeless person was asked to leave our business's property. He refused to leave, and the police were called. One of our owners had a conversation with the Police, who showed up on the scene to ask this person to leave. It was stated to our owner by the Police that he should protect his property by owning an AR-15 and that the Police have been ordered to leave the homeless alone because they are dangerous. I'm not sure what this means, but it sure seems like they are refusing to help with the situation and referred to the mental health department. We have sent many types of communications to many different departments without help. Does anyone else seem to be having the same experience?

I'm a property manager and have never been told that by the police. I have been told what they do by an officer and it is take them in, give them a ticket and release them. They will typically try to talk the person into getting assistance, but I've seen a few of the regulars in downtown decline any help. It has quieted down for us in the past few months, but we have also added some visible security like cameras and flood lights. 90% are agreeable and move along peacefully, only a few have really been troublesome, attacking or trying to intimidate security/ staff. The OKC Green Team has a homeless outreach program supposedly, but I have yet to see them make it to a person we've called in. I really wish we had more people and resources to assist them. So many of us are just a few bad months from being in their spot.