Local & Community
PSPD New Initiative to Crack Down on Homeless-Related Crimes
The Palm Springs Police Department is cracking down on crimes stemming from homelessness.
“We are going to do consistent and rigorous enforcement of the law when a person is violating the law regardless of their status,” said Palm Springs Police Chief Andrew Mills.
On Friday, Chief Mills announced a new initiative “Operation Relentless Sun” to hold “recalcitrant criminals”, or those who are stubbornly resistant to or defiant of authority or guidance, accountable. This includes offenders who are homeless.
“Behaviors that aren’t acceptable such as vandalism, throwing a brick through windows, stealing from local stores,” said Chief Mills. “As well as people acting out when you see them downtown because of meth, intoxication or other reasons, (again) those are the things that concern people that we have a responsibility to manage.”
Chief Mills says traditionally the department would turn a blind eye to these minor offenses, but now all who break the law will face the consequences.
“We’re here to do the enforcement as needed to make sure that people are being held accountable,” said Mills. “We do our job, which is to arrest people and put them into the justice system.”
Local businesses in Palm Springs say the new initiative is a step forward in preserving and improving the quality of life the city offers.
“It’s just very important that both the (residents) and the tourists can feel safe in our community,” said Joy Meredith, Owner of Crystal Fantasy in Palm Springs. “If there are criminals, especially violent criminals within the homeless community then the police department should be able to weed that out.”
But others say the initiative criminalizes rather than supports the most vulnerable.
“You’re not offering help. You’re not offering any solutions,” said Teresa Ball, a client of Well in the Desert, a local nonprofit that offers free services to those who are homeless. “It’s a vicious cycle. Why don’t we deal with programs that will help instead of punishment that does not?”
Those who work closely with the homeless community say Operation Relentless Sun shouldn’t be focused on just policing and detaining.
“I agree with the chief when I said they need to be dealt with, but we have to find other ways to do it,” said Arlene Rosenthal, President of Well in the Desert. “They just get back on the street, so why waste your policing time going after misdemeanor offenses.”
But rather, a collaborative effort between the community – including those who are homeless – and city officials to find a solution to a going issue.
“We need to deal with both helping the people that want help, and also not allowing criminal activity to take place just because they happen to be homeless,” said Meredith.
The Operation Relentless Sun initiative will begin Feb. 1. .
Chief Mills says that officers will make every effort to help those who need it including referring them to available services.
He also says the department is working on other strategies with the city of Palm Springs, including building a homeless navigation center and hiring civilian staff to work with the homeless.
By: NBC Palm Springs
January 24, 2023
Latest Instagram Posts
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1 Silias Bloodworth with the scoop and score, 2) Eusebio Gallo with the kickoff touchdown, 3) Keymorie Rogers with the throw on the run, 4) Damian Durinzi with the rushing TD, or 5) Mario Gallo with the dot towards the endzone #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
Hundreds gathered outside the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., for the “Hands Around the Kennedy Center” rally, protesting President Donald Trump’s handling of the performing arts center. The demonstration came after the Kennedy Center board voted to close the facility for repairs and amid an ongoing dispute over the center’s future. Actress and singer Lynda Carter was among those who addressed the crowd. apnews.com Watch the latest video on NBC Palm Springs.
Alice B. has announced it’s closing its doors. It’s cozy atmosphere and unique seasonal menu made it a must try and even landed it in the Michelin guide. @susanfeniger and @marysuemilliken left their mark on the desert over at Living Out and it will be missed. Here’s a clip from one of our last interviews with Susan.
Cathedral City City Council votes to rename “LGBT+ Days” to “Cathedral City Pride”. The council approved the change in a 5-0 vote during its latest meeting, updating the official name of the city’s annual celebration. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs to see what this means to the Coachella Valley Community #CathedralCity #pride #CityCouncil #CoachellaValley #LocalNews
Discover the Coachella Valley with the Everything Palm Springs app. From iconic attractions and hidden gems to local restaurants, shops, entertainment and even filming locations, the map-based app is designed to help both visitors and locals find more of what the desert has to offer. Creator Lindsay Kinkle is also expanding the app with video tours and narrated guides, giving users another way to explore Palm Springs and the surrounding communities. Local businesses like Buena Matcha are also getting a chance to connect with new customers through the platform. As Lindsay says, there’s so much to do and enjoy here — you just have to know where to look. #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #EverythingPalmSprings #PalmSpringsApp #VisitPalmSprings DesertLife LocalBusiness CoachellaValleyBusiness NBCPalmSprings
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What’s next for Palm Desert? Join community leaders, local businesses and regional stakeholders for the 2026 State of the City Address. Topics: • Economic Development • Infrastructure • Public Safety • Community Programs • Palm Desert’s Future CTA: Friday, September 18 | 11:30 AM JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
Former Silvercrest CEO, William Rodriguez is expected back in court today in connection with the deadly 2024 Cathedral City hit and run that killed a woman. The murder charge was dismissed, but Rodriguez still faces felony hit and run and suspended license charges.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Murder suspect Vicky Kim has once again not been cleared to appear in court. Kim is accused of killing her husband at their Palm Desert condominium complex. Her arraignment has now been delayed three times. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we track the latest developments in this case. #VickyKim #PalmDesert #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews #CourtUpdate NBCPalmSprings