2021-01-07: Community Clean Up

Summary

On January 7, 2021, officers with the Sacramento Police Department Impact Team were in the area of Alhambra Blvd and W St as part of a multi-day community clean-up and homeless outreach effort. A portion of the encampment in the area was obstructing the sidewalk, bicycle lane, and vehicle traffic, creating a public safety hazard.

To help alleviate these concerns, any property that was identified by those living in the encampment as garbage or disposable items were removed. The officers’ efforts also included providing unhoused individuals at the encampment with hotel vouchers and connecting them to outreach providers.

Two individuals from the encampment received hotel vouchers, and two other individuals were arrested on outstanding warrants. The Impact Team will follow-up with those individuals after they are released to provide them with hotel vouchers. One other individual voluntarily left the encampment.

The officers were being assisted by a private company, who is contracted by the City to remove garbage or other hazardous materials.

While on scene, officers were informed that an employee of the private company had allegedly threatened and brandished a knife at a member of the community. Officers investigated the incident while on scene, however no person identified themselves as a victim, nor was anyone present willing to provide a statement. Unidentified witnesses on scene stated that they had video footage of the incident, but they refused to provide the footage to investigating officers. Footage of that incident later emerged on a social media account and has gained significant public interest.

The Sacramento Police Department continues to follow CDC and Sacramento County health order guidelines regarding COVID-19, including how we interact with people experiencing homelessness. Our Impact Team continues our outreach efforts to connect people with service providers, resources and provide public safety throughout our community.

Video release

On January 26, 2021 the Sacramento Police Department released body-worn camera video related to the incident that occurred on January 7, 2021 near the intersection of Alhambra Blvd and W St. The release of this material was done at the discretion of the Chief of Police and is due to the nature of the incident and subsequent public interest. All videos released have been redacted to ensure the confidentiality and privacy of those involved. The faces have been blurred and audio redactions are signified by muted audio.

The two Body Worn Camera (BWC) videos were released in their entirety, are each just over an hour long. The material can be viewed via the link below:

YouTube Playlist

Incident of Public Interest - Jan. 7, 2021 Alhambra Blvd Site Clean-up

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