Feb 6, 2008 7:59 pm US/Central
FWPD Creates New Beat In The Homeless Area
FORT WORTH (CBS 11 News) ―
Latoya Mackey has been homeless for three months and pregnant for five.
"I just chose not to be at my mother's house and sticking by myself," she said.
She calls East Lancaster Street in Fort Worth her home.
Many homeless people hang out on East Lancaster because the shelters are located there.
Now, Fort Worth police are creating a new beat in the homeless area.
It's no crime to be homeless, but there are criminals among them.
"They're not all just homeless. Some of them are criminals in hiding," said Fort Worth police spokesperson Paul Henderson.
Mackey said she welcomes increased police presence because of what she's heard.
"People be robbin' people or someone's end up getting jacked," Mackey said.
Police say the goal of the new patrol beat is to protect both the homeless and the public.
"The other day, guy knocked out two of my teeth," said Sam McMillian. He said he has been homeless for six years.
"I get drunk and people tear me up," he said.
Often called the invisible people, officials with the City of Fort Worth want everyone to know they are no longer invisible.
They are beginning a special, four-week detail to find out who the homeless have among them.
"We do end up catching quite a few criminals from other states, who are wanted from other states for violent crime like robbery and sexual assault," said Henderson.
While in jail, homeless people can also get in touch with social services. "The police can sometimes get the ball rolling to get these people plugged in," said Henderson.
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