WASHINGTON—Homeless people in Washington could face fines and be jailed if they refuse to go to a shelter or receive mental health services, according to the White House.
In an Aug. 12 briefing after President Donald Trump federalized the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to tackle crime and homelessness in the city, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said police will enforce the district’s existing laws to deal with homeless encampments.
Homeless people will be asked to leave the encampment, be taken to a shelter, or offered addiction and mental health services. Those who refuse these options will be fined or jailed, Leavitt said….