Opinion: Police operation leaves city stained

After St. Petersburg police cut down the tents of homeless people camped beneath an overpass, the reaction was swift and predictable. Replays of the video on local television and the Web site YouTube brought a flood of harsh criticism for the city's heavy-handed tactics. Contrary to Mayor Rick Baker's favorite opening line, it wasn't a great day in the city of St. Petersburg.

Police Chief Chuck Harmon, who approved the raid, stated the obvious: "I think the perception was not good of how and what we did." No kidding. So why couldn't Harmon have foreseen that outcome? Now, people worldwide will view St. Petersburg as a heartless place where police destroy the property of those who have little to begin with. Good luck on reversing that image anytime soon.

Days earlier, Baker had handled the dismantling of a larger tent city nearby with more finesse. County and private social service agencies were brought in to offer the campers help in the form of rent vouchers, bus tickets home or shelter space. Those who refused or failed to get such help formed a new tent city.

Homeless-rights activists behind both tent cities undoubtedly hoped to provoke a police overreaction. Not only were video cameras at the ready, but the tents were quickly replaced. More homeless people are likely to join the cause, which has now taken on the dimensions of a political struggle. People will differ on whether such tactics serve the best interests of the homeless, but clearly there is an unmet need in St. Petersburg despite efforts by the city and charitable groups.

Several groups are working to secure more shelter space for the homeless so that it won't be necessary for them to pitch tents or sleep in the open. That process will take time. Meanwhile, Baker and Harmon need to turn the focus back to providing services instead of slashing tents.

Share your thoughts on this story

Read our guidelines for comments

Comments on this article

by Richie	01/25/07 12:06 AM
I lived in St.Pete and Pinellas County fo 3 yrs.and it's not all it's cracked up to be it is extremely overpriced,overcrowded and the so called beaches are small and smell like fish markets.If your gonna tour FL hit the east coast,less crowded,cleane

by Larry	01/24/07 08:54 PM
I have worked in law enforcement for over 16 yrs. I used to be sympathetic to homeless people until I really saw what they are really like. The vast majority all have criminal records and substance abuse problems. That is the path they chose!

by Dan	01/24/07 05:45 PM
If you think this will impact the tourist industry you might be a moron. Tourists don't want to deal with panhandlers either. Support the homeless? Let them sleep in your yard.

by John	01/24/07 05:43 PM
If the homeless feel mistreated, they can move! I have seen homeless "harassed" in NJ, NY, CA, MA and several other states. It's not a St. Pete or even a Florida issue. I anticipate cash donations from all posters here to help these folks find homes.

by Cindy	01/24/07 04:52 PM
As a former 30 years resident of St Pete, I can tell you I am ASHAMED. This is the worst prejudice yet. I have seen many a poor decision made by those in power in St. Pete, but this is just plain mean. To treat the poor this way is a sin. My GOD!

by Jude	01/24/07 04:39 PM
The mayor and police of St. Petersburg are simply foul and evil beings. What a bunch of classist and racist slugs. I hope they all experience homelessness someday.

by Erik	01/24/07 04:15 PM
The tents were taken down accordingly, the individuals were breaking the law and refusing to comply with Police...... dems.....

by stan	01/24/07 04:11 PM
This homeless thing is so sad. When did they lose their rights? And now, the very ones who initiated the mess are doing a review. Melanie Bevan should be fired for even making the suggestion she made.

by liz	01/24/07 03:54 PM
YEARS AGO WHILE WORKING WITH THE HOMELESS, I WOULD HEAR STORIES ABOUT HOW CITY EMPLOYEES WOULD COMB YHR THR WOODS AND DESTROY THE CAMPSITES THAT THE HOMELESS WOULD SET UP. WHO GAVE THE ORDERS THEN?

by Susie	01/24/07 03:29 PM
I urge everyone to get on youtube.com to view video of the tent destruction and read the comments from people around the COUNTRY. St. Pete you look MAHVELOUS! Future tourist destination? Not. Good luck w/ damage control. You'll need it.

by Kay	01/24/07 02:58 PM
Tom, is destroying a tent the only way to remove it?

by Tom	01/24/07 01:33 PM
If someone would have died in a fire in the tent city, city would have been blamed too. They did what was necessary to protect lives, and sometimes that's unpleasant.

by Bill	01/24/07 12:43 PM
Isn't it against the law to destroy peoples personal property? Chuck Harmon should be held accountable. The police should not be "above the law" in St. Pete.

by puh-leez	01/24/07 12:13 PM
As if this was the worst thing the cops do around here... try looking up that story of the undercover cops who knabbed the wrong guys and kicked them while they're down. And for anyone who doesnt live here; Florida is a terrible place to live/visit.

by No Win	01/24/07 11:30 AM
For anyone that has worked in public service you will realize this is a "no win" process for Police and Fire. You follow the rules in the book and still get bashed. The Fire Dept would have been criticized if one died in the tent from a fire.

by Dee	01/24/07 09:47 AM
"...activists...undobtedly hoped to provoke a police overreaction." The editorial page of the SPT is beginning to smell a lttle Fox Newsie. So the police have no intelligent freewill. Thanks for heads up. Who knew the homeless were so powerful.

by Sarah	01/24/07 09:39 AM
We're not a heartless city so I truly don't understand this act. I hope it's just a terrible aberration...Although I don't believe for a minute that Baker didn't know what was going to go down.

by charlotte	01/24/07 09:24 AM
Jesus was homeless. Never owned a roof in His life. So, I guess that makes Him an "undesirable"?

by Carol	01/24/07 09:15 AM
What a way to get publicity. I am ashamed of Mayor Baker and glad I am not homeless.

by Jane	01/24/07 08:45 AM
"Mayor" Rick Baker: today's Worst Person in the World!

by Mike	01/24/07 08:42 AM
St.Petersburg should be embarrased. The police should have other priorities than slicing homeless peoples tents. Try going out and fighting real crime, we all know there is plenty of real crime in the so called "city". Try to protect a city like NYC

by Steve	01/24/07 07:09 AM
Cross Florida off my list. Next vacation in Canada!

by jim	01/24/07 06:34 AM
Baker, Metz and Harmon are an unacceptable embarassment to our community. This is the last straw. All three should resign , and move to Tallahassee where this incompetence is tolerated. "I didnt know..." -- just more lies from Baker!

by bob	01/24/07 05:22 AM
i certainly won't visit this heartless city...sounds like the voters in your city need to wake up fast.