The Yorkville Police Department says the city ordinance banning public camping gives individuals many opportunities to comply before facing any serious consequences. Critics argue the ordinance criminalizes homelessness.
Deputy Chief Garrett Carlyle says that while the ordinance does eventually allow for incarceration, there are many steps — and a lot of time — before that happens. He notes that after police issue a citation, the person can appeal it at a biweekly hearing at City Hall.
“While this is going on, we write the citation. We go back, and we plug those folks into the resources saying, hey if you’re having if you’re looking for a place to be, if you’re struggling with substance abuse, if you’re struggling with needing some assistance here and there, we’re plugging these folks in with assistance.”…