Salem police report challenges in managing downtown homeless encampments and public safety

The Salem City Council Committee on Public Health, Safety, and Environment convened on April 15, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding homelessness and encampments in the city. The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the community, particularly focusing on the Peabody Street encampment and other similar locations.

During the meeting, officials discussed the historical presence of encampments in Salem, noting that they have typically been small and scattered. However, recent developments have raised concerns about health hazards, criminal activity, and the overall well-being of individuals living in these encampments. The Community Impact Unit (CIU) has been actively monitoring these areas, conducting well-being checks to ensure the safety of residents.

The Peabody Street encampment, in particular, has drawn attention due to its size and the issues it has created for the surrounding community. Reports indicated that the encampment had become a site for drug use and related criminal activities, leading to numerous calls for service from the police. Between May 2023 and 2024, there were 241 calls related to the encampment, resulting in 35 arrests and multiple medical assists, including 12 non-fatal overdoses.

The conditions at the encampment have also raised significant health concerns. Officials reported finding a substantial amount of trash, hypodermic needles, and evidence of rat infestations, prompting intervention from the health department. The situation escalated to the point where the encampment was deemed unsustainable, leading to its closure.

The meeting also addressed the broader implications of homelessness in Salem. The CIU reported that in 2024, 7.33% of all police calls involved unhoused individuals, with a notable number of these individuals being victims of crime themselves. Despite the challenges, there has been a decrease in fatal overdoses, attributed to increased outreach efforts and the availability of Narcan.

As the city grapples with these complex issues, officials emphasized the need for more housing resources and collaborative efforts to support the unhoused population. The meeting concluded with a call for continued outreach and support initiatives to address the root causes of homelessness and improve the living conditions for those affected.