Police outline updated approach to panhandling; council highlights mental health response resources

Police Chief Keith Goyette described efforts to update the city's panhandling response: the department is concentrating on behaviors that constitute crimes—harassment, assault, and trespass—rather than panhandling itself. Officers have increased outreach in downtown and park areas, and the department has connected at least one veteran to VA resources.

Mayor Kareem S. Moore and Mayor Pro Tem Felicia Solomon discussed the intersection of homelessness and mental health, noting the Regional Director of Mobile Crisis Central has been engaged and mobile crisis resources are being used. Mayor Pro Tem Solomon encouraged residents to file formal complaints about officer conduct to create records for any investigation.