BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Bloomington police recently stepped up their patrols in Peoples Park after several complaints were made about violence
Those who work nearby the park said the homeless people cause “too many problems.”
“If people are fighting or overdosing or the dramatic things we've seen over there, it makes people want to walk on the other side of the street,” said Sitav Elturan at Underground Printing located across the street.
Elturan said since the police have increased their presence, the area has been much quieter.
“It's a lot calmer, we haven't had any fire trucks appear across the street,” she said.
Police Chief Mike Diekhoff said officers have been stationed in the park and along Kirkwood Avenue.
“We have a lot of fights in this park, so we're here to protect everyone. We want the downtown to be a nice, inviting, safe place for everyone,” said Diekhoff.
The business owners said they are enjoying the increased patrols, but the homeless population feels as if it is not needed.
“You got four or five patrolling the area and then two walking through. Come on man, really?” said Samuel Wilson, who has been homeless for about a year.
Diekhoff said the officers will not ask anyone to leave the park – even those found sleeping.
There are several resources available to the homeless population, according to officials with the city of Bloomington.
