Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson - September 2023

From the channel: Grow Omaha

Introduction:

• Sheriff Aaron Hansen discusses street crime, homelessness, and related issues in the county. Watch segment

Homelessness:

• Increase: Homelessness has increased by 200% in Douglas County over the last 5 years.
• Underlying Issues: The issue isn't just about housing but also chronic substance abuse and unaddressed mental health issues.
• Preference for Tents: Many homeless individuals prefer tents over shelters due to the freedom it offers, even though there are empty shelter beds available.
• Nonprofits and Tents: Some nonprofits provide tents, which leads to encampments in areas like under bridges, which become crime hotspots.

Crime and Homelessness:

• Nature of Crime: Homelessness itself isn't a crime, but areas with high homeless populations often see increased crime rates.
• Driving Factors: Many crimes are driven by the need to sustain drug addictions.
• Business Impact: Sheriff Hansen emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues to ensure businesses can thrive and communities remain safe.

Behavioral Health Infrastructure:

• Need for Infrastructure: There's a need for better behavioral health infrastructure, such as a regional center like the one in Lincoln, to address mental health issues among the homeless population.

Addressing the Issue:

• Approach: The sheriff believes in a "shelter first, housing earned" approach, where individuals are provided shelter and support services before transitioning to permanent housing.
• Proactivity: The community needs to be proactive in addressing these issues to prevent situations like the retail looting seen in Philadelphia.

Recommendations:

• Support Shelters: Support local shelters that are effectively addressing homelessness and its related challenges.
• Engage with Officials: Engage with elected officials to ensure coordinated efforts in addressing homelessness and its associated issues.

You can watch the full video on the Grow Omaha YouTube channel.