For some in the homeless community, the railroad corridor has become a place to stay; however, authorities say it’s illegal to camp here.
Officer Curtis Kniffen is a part of the BPD Street Impact Team, and he says, “We’re essentially enforcing trespassing on railroad property, specifically targeting large encampments that have built up and kind of gotten out of control.”
Officers say these operations focus on public safety, citing concerns about active train traffic, fire risks, and unsanitary conditions. During cleanups, police say individuals are given notice and offered support from local resources like Flood Ministries, Be Finally Free, and Kern Behavioral Health, while crews document and remove property left behind…