Homeless Outreach and Proactive Enforcement (HOPE) Team

559-713-HOPE(4673)

For emergencies dial 9-1-1, for non-emergency situations dial 559-734-8116/8117.

To enroll in the Trespassing Enforcement Program (TEP), send inquiries to [email protected].

The Visalia Police Department’s Homeless Outreach and Proactive Enforcement Team works to minimize the impact of transient-related calls for service on Patrol by utilizing a strategy of enforcement, prevention, and intervention.

 In 2018, the Visalia Police Department partnered with Tulare County Mental Health and began dedicating one (1) HOPE Officer to work side-by-side with a Mental Health Clinician as a field response team to engage individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. These individuals may be eligible for mental health services, alcohol and drug programs, or veteran and self-sufficiency services.

As the program enters its second year, the goal to connect individuals to services and ensure they receive them in a culturally competent and professional manner, remains the same. The program has been beneficial, and we are the point now where the Mental Health Technician rides with a HOPE Officer three days a week and has several mental health team members to support the HOPE clients directly and immediately. Our future goal is to bring on a second Mental Health Technician and an additional HOPE Outreach officer.

Pictured above are the members of the HOPE Team, Top Row (L-R):Sergeant Brent Miller,  Officer Tim Haener, Officer Leroy Hickey, Officer Trever Studinger, Officer Russel Ortiz, Officer Timothy Davis, and Officer Thomas Murrell.