Safe Streets bylaw counterproductive & racist: BCAFN report

“The bylaw isn’t working. It discriminates not only Indigenous Peoples who make up 70-80% of the homeless population, but it discriminates all homeless people.” said Regional Chief Terry Teegee.

The report also found inherent discrimination and racism from the terminology used and the nature of the complaints described. Of the 304 descriptors or labels found from documents, bylaw officers describes subjects during investigations as “squatters” 28.6% of the time. In the report, Hermer outlined the inherent bias from using that term.

“The use of the term ‘squatter’ suggests that the bylaw is enforced against an identifiable class of people who are characterized as trespassing on public space. In effect, this suggests that their rights in public space, including the right to simply be present, are being categorically disregarded and unrecognized.” said Hermer.

The highest reported reason that bylaw was called was due to only ‘the presence of a person’; coming in at 17.8%. Needles, camping/shelter, and debris followed.

Although no tickets were issued, other outcomes came about. The highest two were that subjects ‘Moved on With Belongings/Shelter’ at 21%, followed by ‘Moved on’ at 18%. However, Hermer found that unhoused moving on from where they were was harmful. Of the 104 people that were moved, 54% of them were moved when temperatures were below freezing.

He says that the findings conclude that the bylaw is “absurd.”

“What possible use is this form of policing? It’s true that the bylaw officers have not issued any tickets, but they’re engaged in an informal form of enforcing the bylaw. Where almost—without exception—will move on individuals, make them pack up their tents and belongings, and just move them along.” said Hermer.

Unhoused people say they felt unsafe in the presence of officers. One 35 year old woman named ‘Mary’ said she was being hit on by officers daily.

“He’d hit on me. He was like ‘Let me take you out for dinner’ and stuff and he made feel very uncomfortable.'” The assembly says the officer in question was later fired.”

Teegee says this report proves that bylaw needs to be properly educated to handle those who are unhoused.

“I think what was characterized by Bylaw, as an education tool–it isn’t. There is no education in terms of what the Bylaw is trying to do, nor is there an education on possible help for the people who need the help, that are homeless.” said Teegee.

The city is aware of the report and says it is reviewing the findings before a comment is given.

by Oli Herrera

Safe Streets bylaw counterproductive & racist: BCAFN report

What's Trending