SIOUX FALLS, SD (Dakota News Now) – Mayor Paul TenHaken and Police Chief Jon Thum led a meeting Thursday to discuss complaints about disruptive behavior and panhandling downtown.
Mayor TenHaken read a number of messages he had received recently regarding clashes with persons believed to be homeless in the city centre.
Mayor TenHaken said that despite the good work being done with the homeless, about 15 percent of the homeless are bad guys and cause trouble, especially in the city center.
A partner of the shelter said a third of its guests come from out of state. The mayor said this shows that some opportunists are taking advantage of the Sioux Falls community.
The mayor said Rapid City has the same problem.
“This is not a police problem,” said the mayor. He said we cannot expect the police to solve the problem. They are dealing with the symptoms of the problem.
Mayor TenHaken said it is not the job of animal shelters, nonprofits or the city of Sioux Falls to fix the situation. It is a problem that only affects Sioux Falls.
He mentioned that benches had to be removed because people were fainting on them.
“These 15 percent monopolize some of the services for everyone else,” said Mayor TenHaken.
Anyone who wants to exploit resources and community members is not welcome here, said Mayor TenHaken.
“Stop handing out cash,” he said. Whatever you need, there is a nonprofit that can help you with it. The community needs to stop supporting the 15 percent by handing out money.
A balance must be found between compassion and love of severity, said Mayor TenHaken.
“Homelessness is not a police problem, nor is it a criminal problem. Bad behavior, however, is,” said Police Chief Jon Thum.
Chief Thum said the community is compassionate, but that compassion is being exploited.
To address these issues this summer, law enforcement agencies have had to shift their resources.
“This shaped our summer,” said Chief Thum.
Chief Thum said begging is not a political issue. The money is used to buy cheap alcohol. He would much rather see the residents’ money go to charitable organizations.
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