Salinas police helping the homeless in Chinatown

Salinas Police are working to help the homeless in Chinatown by focusing on ways to get them off the streets.

According to police, there is a coordinated effort to educate the homeless about the services available along with cracking down on violent criminals and drug dealers.

The city is teaming up with the county, businesses, property owners and service providers to try and end homelessness in the area.

Officers are also equipped with a form listing the services available for the homeless with contact information included.

“We’re not citing them to give them a fine so that they owe money we’re down there with the intent to find an additional resource or option through the courts that can get them out of being homeless,” said Salinas police officer David Crabill, Jr.

Almost a week ago, officers arrested dozens of people in the Chinatown neighborhood and handed tickets to others for everything from trespassing to DUI or drug violations.

Click here for more information on the city’s approach to addressing homelessness.