The Police Department
initiated a collaborative effort with Parks & Recreation and Public Works
to eradicate illegal campsite locations throughout the city. Continued concerns over fire danger, public safety, environmental destruction and poor sanitation have been the focus of the effort. Many of the illegal campsites have become hideouts for criminal activity.
In the second week of this project, the
following was accomplished:
- 59 Citations Issued
- 19 Arrests
- 25 Campsites Identified and Posted With Warnings to Vacate
Significant arrests included
a person in possession of a police style baton, and another arrested for
possession of methamphetamine for sales. Additionally, we assisted the Fire Department in the investigation of a suspicious fire believed to be the result of an illegal campsite near Highway 9.
The totals for the first
2 weeks of the program are:
- 138 Citations issued
- 44 Arrests
- 74 Campsites Identified and Posted With Warnings to Vacate
- 19 Campsites Cleaned
The “posted” campsites have
been scheduled for later cleanup.
We have received a number
of tips from our Illegal Campsite Hotline. Community members are encouraged to
report illegal campsite locations in the City of Santa Cruz.
Call (831) 420-5892.
