Homeless

I believe Michael Dear and Jennifer Wolch’s article (“Herding the Homeless Is an Unjust Answer,” Commentary, Nov. 14) contained several inaccurate statements regarding the homeless and their adverse impact on the business climate in this city. Dear and Wolch wittingly criticize everything from the mayor’s plan to deal with the homeless, to a California recession, to city government for not streamlining permits for new commerce, and of course, resentment toward a growing tide of anti-homelessness by other cities that have now enacted ordinances against panhandling, feeding programs and public sleeping.

I recently completed a 70-page college research paper (“The Shelter-Resistant Homeless and Crime: Los Angeles and Santa Monica”). My research showed that the homeless are having a significant impact on crime, the deterioration of the area and flight of businesses. A large percentage of the homeless, especially the shelter-resistant, are hard-core criminals with prior felony arrests. Some of the more prevalent crimes committed by the homeless are murder, robbery, rape and burglary of businesses and automobiles. Begging and “pan-hustling” are special problems where intimidation is used to acquire donations--some making up to $75 a day.

Downtown Los Angeles, which encompasses the Skid Row district, has the smallest population in the city at 37,753 residents. Homeless persons represent approximately 10% of this population. When comparing this area’s crime to the other 17 geographic areas of the city, the crime rate per 1,000 persons is four times greater than any other area in the city. In Santa Monica, where the homeless make up less than 2% of the city’s population, they account for over one-third of police patrol services and 46% of the crime.

Business analysts in Los Angeles report a 45% vacancy factor in the Downtown district. They cite the homeless problem and the crime associated with this issue as the single greatest reason given by businesses leaving the area--no one cited a recession or inept permit process for moving out of the area.

I for one support Mayor Richard Riordan and Deputy Mayor Rae James’ efforts to deal with this critical issue. The homeless problem can be solved and the area revitalized, but it’s going to take some tough decisions on the part of the mayor and his staff at the expense of alienating some homeless advocates.

SGT. KEN HILLMAN, Los Angeles Police Department