Grass Valley’s Police Chief says there is a growing population of homeless in Nevada County. John Foster says his officers are targeting specific enforcement teams to meet the challenge. *

Listen to Chief John Foster 1

Foster says there’s more panhandling, and people holding signs asking for money, but he encourages local citizens not to give any money.*

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Foster says homeless camps around Grass Valley are often found with very unsanitary conditions and  the fire department has also responded to several camping fires that have spread into area brush. The homeless response team is trying to deal with those issues. Foster says another underlying problem is that some homeless choose that lifestyle, while others are dealing with debilitating mental health issues.*

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With the Measure N funds recently approved by voters, Foster has been able to fill four patrol and one investigator position that will give the Police Department more resources to tackle current issues.