SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — Spokane Valley City Council voted on Tuesday night to making camping in public parks a misdemeanor.
Previously, sleeping in one of Spokane Valley’s roughly 20 parks after dark only warranted an infraction. Now, with the new ordinance, the violation is classified as a misdemeanor, with a punishment of up to 90 days in jail or a $1,000 fine.
According to the city, between January and September, 5 people a night were found sleeping in the parks, with only 43 arrested.
Deputy City Manager, Erik Lamb, said the city’s goal is not to rely on arrest as the first response, if possible.
“Our team and our city and our council’s approach has always been we want to get people the help and into the resources they need to get out of their situation and help pick themselves up,” he said.
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