Police, public works cleans up homeless encampments in Merced

Police officers conducted homeless encampment cleanups in Merced on Thursday, according to a department news release.

The Merced Police Department Disruptive Area Response Team along with Merced City Public Works, cleaned up the encampments in the unit block of East 16th Street and the 500 block of West 16th street, according to police.

Authorities said the cleanups occurred due to a possible fire hazards as well as to ensure public safety and public health.

Subjects residing in the camps were offered services through New Direction and Merced County prior to the cleanups taking place, police said.

According to Sgt. Solis, supervisor of the DART unit, “The DART unit will continue to address public safety and public health concerns regarding homeless encampments in the future,” the release said.

According to police, anyone with questions regarding the incident can contact Sgt. Solis at 209-385-4703.

This story was originally published May 7, 2020 at 4:47 PM.