Oppression in the Streets: How NBPD Treats the Homeless

Issue #1 Nov 2024

Stories from people who are and have been homeless in New Britain and around Connecticut. Edited and published by Dare to Struggle CT. Distributed by Homeless Liberation Initiative

One Homeless Man in New Britain Faced:

$99 Tickets for “Sleeping on Public Bench”
Felony Arrest for Needing to Use the Bathroom
Extra 1.5 Months in Jail Due to Negligence
Belongings Lost by Police, Including Cane

$99 Tickets for “Sleeping on Public Bench”

Almost all of the homeless people we’ve talked to on the streets in New Britain have gotten one of these $99 tickets for sleeping on a public bench, “loitering”, or “aggressively” panhandling.

$99 ticket for “sleeping on public bench”

Felony Arrest for Needing A Bathroom

On May 9th, 2024, Billy was accused of urinating behind TD Bank in downtown New Britain, was charged with a Class D Felony and his bail was set at $5k. In a downtown with no public restrooms, especially if you are or look homeless, where are you supposed to go? We have talked to people who have gotten UTIs due to the lack of public restrooms. Due to an administrative issue, his court date was pushed. If he wasn’t bailed out, he would’ve spent 1.5 extra months in jail all the way in Hartford. Upon release, he learned the police lost his possessions, including his cane.

Luxury Apartments?!

The arrival of luxury apartments, and the rich people they bring, typically result in increased police harassment and brutality towards homeless people in the area. In New Britain, we’ve talked with people who’ve said they have noticed an increase in recent years as The Brit was being built.

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HOMELESS LIBERATION INITIATIVE
Sick of being talked down to? It’s time to speak up!
People on the street need to hear your stories, your problems, your solutions. The rich, bosses, and landlords put us on the street. The politicians and nonprofits keep us here. We have to be the way out!
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