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Allied report shows big increase in unhoused contacts; commissioners and staff clarify ambassador role
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Summary
Allied reported a 94% increase in unhoused contacts in February and commissioners asked how ambassadors escalate incidents, whether they can issue citations (they cannot), and how ambassadors are briefed on recurring individuals; staff provided the homeless concern line number for direct reporting.
Allied presented February activity data to the Public Safety Commission on March 20, reporting 1,514 hospitality contacts (a 21% decrease), a 94% increase in unhoused contacts (1,402), 640 calls for service (up 59%), and an average response time of about seven minutes. The report noted 258 referrals to the homeless concern line and that ambassador staffing was at 98% with 100% training completion.
Commissioners pressed Allied and staff to define what counts as an "unhoused contact" and to explain escalation protocols. Allied said many contacts are low‑level engagements—ambassadors asking someone to relocate or providing resources—while more serious or recurring incidents are escalated to code enforcement, the sheriff or the CARES/homeless concern team. Director Danny Rivas confirmed the homeless concern line at (323) 848‑6590 and said ambassadors are briefed each shift and that staff can request targeted code enforcement when problems persist.
Several commissioners and public commenters asked whether ambassadors can issue citations or warnings; staff clarified ambassadors may engage and move impediments (like scooters) but do not have authority to issue citations. Code enforcement and sheriffs retain citation authority; staff said focused patrols and code enforcement operations can be scheduled when repeated noncompliance is documented.
