The city of Miami commission passed an ordinance Thursday that will allow police officers to arrest individuals sleeping in public spaces after providing a verbal warning, a move that drew heated debate over the criminalization of homelessness.
The measure, which passed 3-2, takes effect in 10 days. Under the new law, police are required to give a verbal warning and provide individuals a “reasonable” amount of time to pack their belongings and vacate the area before taking enforcement action. The ordinance stipulates that police cannot make an arrest if no shelter beds are available at the time.
The city’s decision aligns with a state law that took effect last year banning sleeping in public…