Suffolk Co. Sheriff optimistic about plan to house homeless drug users in empty detention facility

BOSTON — It’s a plan to house up to 100 people for 90 days in an empty jail space that was previously used as an ICE detention facility.

Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins told Boston 25 News he’s optimistic that his idea is “getting pretty close” to becoming a reality.

Just last week, outgoing Mayor Kim Janey announced that tents were no longer allowed on public property.

Police are expected to post fliers in the Mass and Cass area of Boston this week reminding people to clear from encampments.

In a statement to Boston 25 News, a city spokesperson said “Today and everyday, City of Boston outreach workers are on the ground, providing unsheltered people with options for shelter and services. As procedures are developed to fully implement the public health executive order as soon as possible, the City will continue regular clean-ups and post notices where tents must be removed. This week, clean-ups will be conducted in areas targeted for scheduled building maintenance. No person will be asked to move their tent as part of this effort without first being offered shelter.”

Sheriff Tompkins feels his proposal would help address the complex humanitarian crisis.

“Our preference would be for a health facility outside a correction facility to take these folks. Until that is set up, we’ll use this as a temporary shelter,” said Sheriff Tompkins.

Under his plan, police would pick up people with outstanding warrants and relocate them to the former detention center.

Whoever goes to the addiction treatment center would have to come through the criminal justice system.

“When people say we’re criminalizing individuals… that’s so far from the truth. What we’re trying to do is help people in dire straits,” he explained.

Sheriff Tompkins said the facility would look and feel more like a dormitory than a jail.

“We will not have the doors locked. Our officers will not be in uniforms,” said Tompkins. “We’ll have sofas and chairs and board games, but we will also have programs.”

Sheriff Tompkins said his office has the money to get the program launched and is moving full steam ahead with preparations.

“I feel good about this happening in the next few weeks,” added Tompkins. “We are preparing our facility for whatever comes our way.”

Tompkins is looking for money from the state to keep the program going if it gets off the ground.

He said he feels hopeful by Governor Baker’s involvement in recent meetings on the Mass and Cass crisis.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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