LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI)-Lafayette transitional housing moved to a new location back in October. Many people who live in the area say there is criminal activity happening outside LTHC daily. LPD says they respond to the area almost every day.
"We are doing what we can to work with transitional housing and they are working with us,” said Sergeant Ian O’Shields with the Lafayette Police Department. “ I mean the relationship is there."
According to the call numbers provided to WLFI by LPD, they have responded to LTHC 761 since October. While that number may seem large Sergeant O'Shields says, the number of calls is about the same as before the move.
"It's a very visible location now to the public and the surrounding neighborhoods,” added Oshields. “The new location is bringing those issues to light because it's right there for everyone to see."
Since the facility is more visible, LTHC says, it may seem like there are more problems than there used to be.
"We need help here,” said Jennifer Layton the Chief Executive Officer of LTHC. “We've got a lot of people that need help. It's a very small percentage of people that are having the most difficult behaviors."
According to the numbers, the majority of the calls that Lafayette police respond to at LTHC are medical calls. LTHC says many of their participants are in poor health, which is an issue they are working to address.
"We are actively looking at increasing our partnerships with our substance use partners with our mental health partners and our physical health partners to come here,” said Layton. “We have a lot of people that need our help."
Recently the nonprofit entered into a trespass agreement with LPD. The agreement helps them keep the area safer and find a proper balance of policing and outreach.
"If at any time someone's behavior is such it's no longer tolerable, they will issue that warning to guests,” added Layton. “After that warning is given then they are not allowed back here on our property."
"These folks need a place they can go and get the services but on the same token we need to make sure that crime is not being committed, “added O'Shields.
To read a breakdown of the call list click here.