Encampment ban now in effect in West Warwick

WEST WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — As of today, people can no longer camp on public property in the town of West Warwick.

Town leaders are defining camping on public property as using any means to provide shelter on town-owned property which includes tents, canopies, cars and more.

Any person who violates the ordinance must attend a non-criminal court hearing and will be issued a no-trespass warning for a first offense.

As a second offense, the person would be required to attend a court hearing and pay a $100 fine.

In addition to that, officers can remove any unattended personal items on public property.

According to the ordinance, public public safety officers must give a 72-hour notice at or near the location of personal items before removing them.

However, if any of the personal items pose as a threat to the health or safety of the public, then a public safety officer can immediately throw it away or use it as evidence.

Although the ordinance applies to everyone, the encampment ban would disproportionately impact people experiencing homelessness.

According to the latest point in time count, more than 24,000 are experiencing homelessness in the Ocean State, which is an increase of 35% in the past year.

Other municipalities such as Cranston and Fall River have also passed homeless encampment bans where police are removing encampments and offering temporary shelter and social services to those in need.