HOMELESS ENCAMPMENT ACTION RESPONSE TEAM (HEART)

The Homeless Encampment Action Response Team (HEART) is comprised of two Officers who assist Pomona Public Works Professionals who respond to various locations within the City of Pomona affected by illegal encampments and reoccurring homeless issues.  The HEART program operates seven days a week. Additionally, there are eight Pomona Police Officers, one from each patrol squad, who are Homeless Liaisons and act as an extension of the HEART Team to ensure the City of Pomona receives around the clock coverage.

Common questions:

How do I request the HEART Team to respond to my location?  The best way to request the HEART Team is by sending an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  The entire HEART Team monitors this email account and requests are usually handled the same day or next day.  Please be as specific as you can as to exactly where the encampment is located and a general description of the items if possible.  If you do not have, access to email you can leave a message at 909-620-2136.

Will the HEART Team remove an encampment from my private property?  Generally, the HEART Team will only remove encampments from public property.  There are exceptions such as when a homeless individual is arrested on private property or when the encampment may be deemed a fire hazard.

Will the HEART team clean up human waste left in a public location?  The HEART Team does not clean up public waste as it is deemed a biohazard.  Any requests to clean up human waste should be made to the City of Pomona Solid Waste division at 909-620-2399.

How do I discourage the homeless from building an encampment or returning to my private property?  Keep trees, shrubs and bushes trimmed back, trash enclosures locked and the area illuminated.  You can also file a trespass authorization with the Pomona Police Department by contacted the front desk during business hours.

MENTAL HEALTH EVALUATION UNIT

The Pomona Police Department Mental Health Evaluation Unit (MHEU) provides mental health services to the community through a partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LAC DMH). This is accomplished following the co-response model partnering a specially trained police officer with a mental health clinician.  The MEU currently operates six days a week.

The mission of the MHEU is to engage in dialogue with people experiencing a mental health crisis. These people are often violently acting out, at high risk, or are children who are in need of help; and all of which are in dire need of psychological services because of their current mental health condition. When MHEU encounters such a person, they do so in a professional and compassionate manner, understanding the needs of each individual.  These interactions have helped countless people in our community relative to the lifelong issues associated with mental illness.

Common questions:

Why does a Police Officer need to respond with the clinician if no crime has been committed?  Although many contacts with people experiencing a mental health crisis are peaceful, often times we are encountered with individuals who are unpredictable, unstable and violent.  Some also have a lengthy criminal history.  The police officer is there to ensure the safety of the mental health clinician and to assist the clinician as needed.  The officers assigned to the MHEU do not wear a traditional police uniform and drive unmarked police vehicles.

Can I contact the MHEU directly if I need assistance or am experiencing a mental health crisis?  The MHEU typically responds as a secondary unit to calls for service.  Once a uniformed officer has determined the call requires the response of the MHEU, they will be dispatched.  If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need assistance, please call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance or 909-622-1241 for non-emergency.

Will the MHEU be able to assist me even if I do not have medical insurance?  In the event the MHEU responds to assist you, there will be no charge for the services provided by the MHEU.  If additional services or hospitalization is required, the MHEU will work with you and put you in contact with resources in the area available to meet your needs.  As there is no “one size fits all” treatment plan, each situation is assessed on a case-by-case basis.  The MHEU works closely with many providers in the area to include Tri-City Mental Health.

SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND TRAFFICKING TEAM (SETT)

The Sexual Exploitation & Trafficking Team (SETT) is responsible for the investigation and enforcement of state and federal crimes involving the sexual exploitation of human beings and reducing the vulnerability of children to acts of sexual criminal activity.  The objective of the SET Team is to identify and rescue individuals who are being sexually exploited through prostitution as well as to identify and initiate investigations into those responsible for this exploitation.

A primary function of the unit is the Identification and arrest of individuals involved in human trafficking for the purpose of prostitution. Other functions include:

•    Investigate prostitution-related offenses as they connect to organized crime.
•    Identification and rescue of juvenile victims lured into the sex trade. 
•    Liaison with the Pomona Police Department Investigative Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office to investigate and prosecute cases of human trafficking.

If you would like to report suspected human trafficking you can contact the Pomona Police Department at 909-622-1241.  If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).  Information can also be reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or via text message to 233733.