Santa Ana may adopt a more robust approach to increasing incidents of public intoxication if Santa Ana Councilman Phil Bacerra has his way.
Bacerra has agendized for the July 18 city council meeting having the city actively enforce state laws that allow police to detain people who are so intoxicated on alcohol, drugs and/or controlled substances that they are unable to control themselves, behave safely toward others, or are blocking free public use of sidewalks, streets and other public rights of way.
If approved by the seven-member city council, Santa Ana police officers would be directed by the city manager to detain any individuals who violate the pertinent state laws (state Penal Code Section 647(f) and Health and Safety Code Sections 11054-11057) and take them to Santa Ana Jail for booking, where they will be connected with substance-abuse treatment services prior to being released.
The proposed policy would ensure the necessary medical personnel would be provided to the jail to minimize the use of hospital emergency rooms.
Furthermore, non-Santa Ana residents booked under this policy would, upon release from jail, be offered transportation back to their home “to reunite them with family,” according to Bacerra’s request.
“This proposal addresses the issue of widespread substance abuse in Santa Ana with accountability and compassion,” said Bacerra.
Public intoxication to the point of oblivion is intricately bound up with the issues of homelessness and the epidemic of drug uses, particularly involving fentanyl and opioids.
Public comments sent via e-mail strongly support Baccera’s request.
“I wholeheartedly support Councilman Bacerra’s request for [Santa Ana] police to detain anyone publicly intoxicated or highon durgs,” wrote Rudy Tjiptahadi, a 23-year resident of Santa Ana. “I have seen public intoxication and drug use more and more visible and prevalent in Santa Ana, especially among the unhoused population in front of stores.”
“We, as a city, cannot continue to allow people to abuse drugs and law passed out on our city’s sidewalks, parks, and bus stops,” wrote 33-year resident Lissett Mercado.
“It is not fair to the community, especially our children, to be exposed to people indebriated, passed out, or camping in public spaces,” wrote resident Susan Salvati. “It is also inhumane not to help those who indulge in a vicious cycle of drugs, alcohol or mental illness.”
“We have a beautiful city with caring people, and we want our city to remain beautiful and safe,” continued Salvati. “Please allow our finest SAPD to keep us safe.”
