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Hagerstown police and council discuss proposed ordinance to prohibit camping in public spaces; data collection proposed
Summary
Police presented a proposed ordinance to prohibit lodging out of doors that would criminalize setting up residence in tents or vehicles on public property; staff proposed a six‑month data collection plan and monthly reporting if the ordinance is adopted.
Hagerstown police presented a proposed ordinance April 8 that would prohibit lodging out of doors — defined in the draft as camping, erecting tents or otherwise setting up a residence on public property or in vehicles — and requested council guidance on moving the measure forward.
The ordinance is framed as a limited enforcement tool for “rare and extreme” situations in which individuals refuse repeated orders to vacate public property after shelter options and social‑service referrals have been offered. Lieutenant Ted Lewis…
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