Under Arizona Senate Bill 1413, police officers would be required to tear down homeless encampments and charge the person or people living there with criminal trespassing. The bill passed the Senate Wednesday.
It’s known as “the Zone” and issues like trash, violence, and drugs have been well-documented. We’re taking a deep dive into activity plaguing the largest homeless camp in the Phoenix area and the first responders who are there on average nearly four times per day.
A group of residents and business owners just east of downtown Phoenix are seeking heavier law enforcement in an area where hundreds of unsheltered people have set up camp. The group has sued the city and wants the area declared a public nuisance.