California's struggle with homelessness is often attributed to a lack of affordable housing. However, a former Oceanside police officer, Rick Campbell, offers a different perspective. He argues that the state's progressive policies on crime, particularly those related to drug offenses, are the true drivers of this crisis.
In a recent Newsweek op-ed, Campbell highlighted the connection between drug addiction, mental illness, and homelessness. He stated, "Lack of affordable housing is a problem, but it's not the primary reason for the surge in homeless encampments and mentally ill individuals in California. We have a massive drug addiction crisis, coupled with a mental health crisis, and we lack the tools to compel people to seek help." He noted the frequent co-occurrence of meth use and mental health decline, based on his experiences with individuals brought in for mental health evaluations.
Campbell points to Proposition 36, passed in 2000, as a turning point. This proposition established drug courts as alternatives to incarceration for drug offenders. While it offered treatment, it also held a "stick" in the form of a potential felony charge, motivating individuals to engage with the program. This balance shifted in 2014 with Proposition 47, which reduced many felony drug charges to misdemeanors. Campbell argues that this change hampered law enforcement's ability to address drug-related issues effectively. He explained that officers are now limited to issuing tickets, unable to make arrests for drug possession in San Diego County.
While Governor Gavin Newsom has acknowledged the state's homelessness problem and proposed a $15 billion plan to address it, Campbell believes these efforts are misdirected. He questions the effectiveness of focusing primarily on providing housing without adequately addressing the underlying issues of addiction and mental health. He expressed some optimism regarding Newsom's CARE Court initiative, but remains skeptical about its potential for significant impact. Campbell's concern centers on the state's financial deficit and the substantial investment in programs that he feels may not yield the desired outcomes.
The statistics paint a stark picture: California accounts for 50% of the nation's unsheltered homeless population and one-third of the total homeless population, a staggering 171,521 individuals. Campbell's insights offer a crucial perspective on the complexities of this crisis, urging a shift in focus towards addressing the root causes of addiction and mental illness.
