Police offer guidelines regarding transients

As the Flathead Valley enters the full swing of spring, the Whitefish Police Department has released a set of guidelines for reporting and interacting with the area’s transient population.

First on the list is a reminder that “they are people and have rights.” The department stated in their notice that there are no laws against being dirty, stinky, having old clothes or, in some instances, being mentally ill.

There are also no ordinances in place that outlaw loitering or being homeless. Transients have the right to use public parks, sit on benches downtown and walk on the sidewalks, the notice states.

Business owners do have the right to refuse service to anyone, but the Whitefish Police Department said they have found that, when treated with respect, most transients will comply when asked to leave.

When this is not the case and an individual is intoxicated, mentally ill or belligerent, officers encourage the public to contact police.

“Many people say they don’t want to bother us. It’s our job,” the guidelines say.

Illegal activity includes blocking the sidewalk, disturbing the peace and camping on private property.

These and any “obviously” illegal activity warrant a call to local authorities.

Whitefish Police advise against allowing transients to use outside outlets to charge their devices, giving them food or money or letting them sleep in or on your property.

Officers also discourage confronting transients as some may carry communicable diseases.

Many transients, according to police, are criminals of opportunity and will take advantage of homes, vehicles and property left unsecured. All doors, vehicles, garages and property should be locked when left unattended.

For more information, call the Whitefish Police Department at 406-863-2420 and select option two to be connected to dispatch, then ask for an on-duty officer, or visit http://whitefishpolice.com.