ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Homelessness and the crime associated with it continue to be an ongoing issue in the metro area. Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen said that his office is doing everything it can to help the homeless, but he is running out of patience. According to Sheriff Allen, his deputies are making every effort to assist homeless individuals, but he believes it’s time to implement some tough measures. “Unfortunately, I’m discouraged by these numbers, and what it’s telling me is pre-diversion right now, as it is for us in the Sheriff’s office, it’s not working,” Sheriff Allen said.
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So far this year, there have been 787 interactions between deputies and homeless individuals during operations along Central Ave. During each interaction, help and behavioral health resources are offered, but the most shocking statistic is the low acceptance rate: only 2% of those offered assistance actually accept it, according to the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.
“They tell us, I want to be out on the streets. I want to take drugs. I’m going to continue to do what I did,” Sheriff Allen explained…