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Police report: roughly 880 contacts related to camping and storage this year; only three illegal‑camping citations issued
Summary
City presenter told the council street contacts related to camping and personal property storage average several per day and total about 880 in the record system year‑to‑date; officers provide 24‑hour or 48‑hour notices, may store property for up to 60 days, and have issued few illegal‑camping citations since ordinances took effect.
City staff briefed the council on enforcement of Lompoc Municipal Code Chapter 8.40 (camping and storage of personal property) and Chapter 12.18 (use of transit facilities) and outlined day‑to‑day procedures and enforcement outcomes.
The presenter said the city’s record system tallied roughly 880 contacts this year for homeless outreach, illegal camping and related calls, but that number reflects how contacts close in the system rather than unique persons. "The number I came up with for clearance is right around 880 contacts," the presenter said. Officers have authority under local code to leave written notices (24 hours for personal property; 48 hours when a campsite is present), document notices with photographs, and then remove and store property if the notice period elapses. Collected property is stored up to 60 days with instructions on how to reclaim items; unclaimed items may be discarded thereafter.
Staff said many contacts resolve without citation and that, since the ordinances went into effect in March, the department has issued three illegal‑camping citations because most incidents were handled by outreach, movement on, or alternate enforcement (e.g., arrests for other offenses). Councilmembers pressed staff on repeat contacts, the mix of newcomers versus frequent‑contact individuals, and what measures would demonstrate progress. Staff said liaison officers funded by council have produced measurable improvements and that five training officers are scheduled for academy entry in January, but those hires will take months to be fully field‑ready.
