New Lawton ordinance makes it illegal to camp in public places

It’s now illegal to camp in public places in Lawton, unless you have specific permission from the City of Lawton to do so.

City Council members voted the new provision into effect Tuesday as one of the methods city officials are using to tackle problems arising from Lawton’s homeless population. The new ordinance came with an emergency provision, meaning it went into effect immediately and city police already can use it.

The decision wasn’t without criticism: eight residents attending Tuesday’s meeting said the action makes homelessness a crime without addressing the core issues.

The proposal is one the City Council and other entities have been weighing for months: giving city police the authority to remove those who set up sleeping places in city parks, on public sidewalks and in other public places. Some residents and businesses have called for action because of what they say is harassment, intimidation or threats by some homeless people, and a recent court ruling allows the city to ban camping in public places. But, City Manager John Ratliff had recommended the council delay action until it designates a place the homeless can use to sleep, if Lawton’s limited indoor shelters be without space.

The council’s Homeless Action Committee debated two proposals for that situation: designing Olson Park on Southwest E Avenue as an outdoor sleeping area, or accept an offer from the Salvation Army to make temporary outdoor arrangements until that agency renovates its complex and creates two new shelters that could house 80 people.

Parks and Recreation Director Larry Parks said Olson Park seemed a credible choice because homeless people already use the site because of its proximity to homeless service entities, including the Salvation Army (the park is on the eastern edge of the Salvation Army complex).

However, discussions revealed problems associated with using a city park, including the fact that registered sex offenders could not use the park. Parks said because the Salvation Army indicates it can do the repairs to restore their shelter to use, “we do not need Olson Park as a result.” Capt. Bryan Brinlee, who runs the Lawton Salvation Army, said he intends to reopen the complex as a low-barrier shelter, meaning any homeless person (even those with substance abuse problems) are welcome.

Space is needed until that indoor space is ready for occupancy. While council members did not identify that space Tuesday, city officials said Wednesday the Salvation Army has agreed to designate space on the south side of its complex as a sleeping site, and will provide cot for that outdoor use. Ratliff, noting the Salvation Army’s offer, said low-barrier housing is “something we desperately need.”

“It’s a really good resource for the city,” he said, adding it is a good alternative to Olson Park.

City Attorney John Andrew said establishing an alternative for homeless people who are removed from public places is important because it ties into the new anti-camping ordinance. That ordinance specifies someone can avoid his/her first citation if they accept an offer for help — sleeping, food or other service — from the arresting officer. That means there must be resources for those who want help.

Lawton Police Department Sgt. Matt Dimmitt said the ordinance will address some of the complaints being lodged. He said some business owners say they have to wake up people sleeping in front of their business, or deal with issues such as defecation near their property, while some residents complain about having to walk around people sleeping on sidewalks.

Dimmitt said what the ordinance is not is a way “to go around and harass people,” adding it will address those who have clearly established a sleeping space in a public location. Police will not be able to enforce the ordinance on private property, unless a business owner invites them in. He said the ordinance will allow city police to help people who may face threats from weather extremes, saying the city loses someone to severe heat or cold every year.

“It gives us a chance to interact with them,” he said. “This really gives us an opportunity to help people.”