Homeless/Transient Concerns

The Fountain Valley Police Department has received numerous inquiries regarding the rising number of unhoused individuals within the city. We understand your concerns and want to share information about our ongoing efforts to address this issue.

Like many California cities, we have experienced a significant increase in calls for service related to the unhoused community. Since January 1st, 2025, the Police Department has responded to 241 transient-related calls for service.

To address this situation proactively, the Police Department established a Community Resource Officer (CRO) position in 2013 to specifically engage with the unhoused population. In 2021, we created a second CRO position due to the volume of calls received. Our CROs connect unhoused individuals with essential services, including shelters, veterans' services, substance abuse programs, and mental health assistance.

We also collaborate with the Orange County Health Care Agency, which has assigned a mental health clinician to work alongside our CROs. The clinician rides with the CROs weekly to provide additional resources and evaluation services, including crisis assessment, for unhoused individuals.

Furthermore, we partner with City Net Orange County, an organization that offers outreach and engagement services to reduce homelessness and provide resources to our community. Since March 1st, 2022, City Net has successfully placed 116 individuals in shelters.

In June 2024, the City partnered with the cities of Westminster and Garden Grove to open the Central Cities Navigation Center (CCNC). The CNCC is a low-barrier transitional emergency housing and provides wrap-around services to unhoused individuals in Orange County's Central Service Planning Area. Currently, CNCC offers thirteen beds for unhoused individuals that have a nexus to Fountain Valley. City Net has supported the City and the Police Department in utilizing our dedicated beds at this facility.

Our officers receive ongoing specialized training in Crisis Intervention, Strategic Communication, and Mental Health Awareness to ensure they are equipped with the latest de-escalation techniques and best practices.

The Fountain Valley Police Department remains committed to protecting our City's quality of life while upholding the Constitutional rights and dignity of all individuals.