HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 39 - Addressing Public Intoxication Through Detention and Service Offerings39. Discuss and Consider Directing the City Manager to Have the Santa Ana Police
Department Immediately Implement an Intoxication Detention and Service Offering
Policy — Councilmember Bacerra
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Councilmember-Requested Item
Date
July 18, 2023
Topic
Addressing public intoxication through detention and service offerings.
Title
Intoxication Detention and Service Offering Policy
Discussion
Existing State Law allows police to detain individuals who are found in any public place
under the influence of intoxicating liquor, any drug, and/or controlled substance, in a
condition that they are unable to exercise care for their own safety or the safety of
others, or interferes with or obstructs or prevents the free use of any street, sidewalk, or
other public way, per California Penal Code Section 647(f), and a person that uses, or is
under the influence of specific controlled substances that are listed within Health and
Safety Code Sections 11054-11057.
There is also a need to enhance the ability to offer potentially life-saving services to
individuals with substance abuse issues throughout Santa Ana.
I am proposing that the City Council direct the City Manager to have Santa Ana Police
Officers consistently detain any individuals within Santa Ana who violate those existing
state laws and transport them to the Santa Ana Jail for processing, and prior to release,
provide them with information on available substance -abuse treatment services.
I am also proposing that the City Manager work with Santa Ana Police Department to
provide the necessary medical staff at the Santa Ana Jail to minimize the use of hospital
emergency rooms and improve efficiency in Santa Ana Police patrol operations' ability
to consistently and effectively enforce state laws related to public intoxication.
Finally, when possible and before they leave the Santa Ana Jail, I am proposing that
detained individuals who are not from Santa Ana be offered transportation to their home
to reunite them with family.
This proposal addresses the issue of widespread substance abuse in Santa Ana with
accountability and compassion.
Submitted By
Councilmember Phil Bacerra