West Midlands Police said the scheme might be rolled out to other cities and towns
A scheme which aims to avoid putting homeless people in custody has been launched in Birmingham.
A plain clothes police officer and two outreach workers respond to reports of homelessness, begging and anti-social drinking in the city centre.
The team, including a substance abuse specialist, operates between 09:00 BST and 21:00 from Monday to Friday.
The service was launched by West Midlands Police, Birmingham City Council and homeless support agencies.
City centre police sergeant Lee Howard said: "The aim is to help rough sleepers − people often with complex needs who struggle to access services − and direct them to benefits, housing, alcohol and substance abuse services, or mental health support.
"It will be a compassionate response, recognising that police custody is usually not the most appropriate place for people involved in anti-social street activities.
"However, where we do encounter repeat nuisance beggars − those who intimidate members of the public, ignore warnings or refuse to take advantage of support − they will be arrested."
From May 2014 to April this year the force took 1,000 calls about homelessness and begging.
West Midlands Police said the scheme might be rolled out to other cities and towns in the force's area.
The car used for the initiative, which was launched last month, is provided by housing group Midland Heart.
- Published31 July 2015
- Published18 June 2015
