LONGVIEW, Texas (East Texas News) – The Longview Police Department’s Police Extension Services Team is working to reduce complaints related to homelessness in the city.
The City of Longview has applied for a grant to add two new police officers to the specialized unit.
“Having only two people on that program works, don’t misinterpret me. It has worked, but adding two more would make it even better,” said LaDarian Brown, the Longview Police Department’s public information officer.
Brown noted that his “POST” team has changed dramatically since its inception in 2018. While they provide resources to homeless individuals, Brown added that they are now focusing more on jail diversion.
“Bridging the gap is literally what it sounds like: we work with people, not so much to criminalize them, but to help and assist them,” Brown explained.
“They do targeted casework with the people they know to help them with what they need. We’re not imposing it on them. We offer assistance,” said Laura Hill, the City of Longview’s Director of Grants and Human Services.
The city has requested a federal grant of $250,000 from the Department of Justice for Community-Oriented Policing. The funds are intended to cover the cost of two additional officers over the next three years.
These new officers would be dedicated exclusively to the Extension Services Team.
“We continue to grow and respond to the development within our community about what those needs are to help everyone thrive,” Hill said.
Brown said they do not see homelessness as a problem in itself, but as a symptom of an issue that people may have. Therefore, they guide homeless individuals to treatment programs and even help them obtain updated identification.
“Not only are we looking to deliver services for the symptoms. We aim to provide services and work with people to get to the root of why they are homeless,” Brown said.
The city expects to hear back on the grant request in the next two to three months.
