DMPD adds “homeless encounter” category to better track and respond to calls

DES MOINES, Iowa —

Des Moines police have implemented a new "homeless encounter" designation to track calls related to the city's homeless population, as the number of such calls continues to rise.

"This is just simply a response to people wanting to know exactly how much work the police department's putting into helping homeless people in our community," said Sgt. Paul Parizek, of the Des Moines Police Department.

The department has logged 63 homeless calls in the past 48 hours. Sgt. Parizek explained that officers intervene when they see people in need, such as when someone is camped out on a doorstep and a call is made. The new designation allows these situations to be categorized more accurately.

"Our officers see people in need, and we intervene. We see situations where someone, y