The Grand Junction Police Department initiated a pilot program in January 2011 in an effort to reduce chronic homelessness issues in the City of Grand Junction.  This program is known as the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT).  The Homeless Outreach Team consists of three GJPD officers (Cpl. Jeff Davis, Officer Cory Tomps, and Officer Cindy Cohn) who specialize in building relationships and coordinating assistance in finding necessary services for the homeless population. 

The overall goal of the Homeless Outreach Team is to reduce calls for service to the Police Department involving the homeless population.  Personnel assigned to the Homeless Outreach Team will be in the forefront of that effort.  It is important that the Homeless Outreach Team develop a positive relationship with the homeless community, including the myriad of service providers.  The Homeless Outreach Team will use those relationships to link those seeking or unaware of services to the providers that can assist. 

So far, our unit has established relationships and contacts with over 230 homeless individuals, and around 2 dozen service providers.  We have referred dozens of individuals to our service providers to obtain assistance in getting identification, housing, treatment, clothing, and bus passes for the purposes of treatment, reunification with family, and employment opportunities elsewhere.  We have assisted and helped solve several major cases for area law enforcement personnel.  We also educate and present to the general public on issues related to homelessness in Mesa County.  

Major Cases Worked:

In December of 2010, a man was assaulted by an unknown suspect in the area of the Riverfront Trail and Broadway Bridge. As a result of the assault, the victim was hospitalized with a traumatic brain injury. Investigations from the Sheriff’s Office and GJPD were unsuccessful at developing leads. The Homeless Outreach Team, though not officially formed until January 2011, was called out to assist in the investigation. After a few hours of speaking with subjects in the park and service providers throughout the community, HOT obtained information that a possible suspect may be involved in the assault. Within 24 hours, HOT was able to determine a possible location for the suspect. The suspect was found returning to the location. He was taken into custody and brought to the Police Department for questioning by investigators, and was arrested on charges of attempted murder. The case is currently awaiting trial.