Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport homeless population growing out of control
ATLANTA GA Jan 21 2018 The Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport has seen the population of homeless residents living at the world’s busiest airport, growing to the point of being out of control.
No one knows for sure when it all started or even how or why but police officers who work at the airport say that the few grew to many and is now at the point where they just keep coming in and setting up permanent residence.
Now, Atlanta police officers who are the primary law enforcement agency for the airport are speaking out and want something done about it.
The homeless can be found daily across the North and South Terminals as well as the connecting Atrium, which was built as a respite for airline passengers.
They move in their belongings, and take over prime areas, sometimes even fighting with other homeless people to protect their spot.
Some airport employees say that they threaten passengers’ health and safety.
Officers said men have used the airport floor as a toilet. One man who was totally naked defecated and then decided to lounge on airport furniture, according to police.
Officers said some homeless have open sores and need to be somewhere else other than the airport.
The complaints from police follow a change in enforcement. They said the city of Atlanta law department has instructed the officers not to do the daily sweeps they once did. That change means they cannot enforce basic trespass laws.
It sends out the wrong signal one officer said. We’ve got no way of controlling who comes in or how long they stay or what they do.
Even though the homeless do not enter secure areas, they still have access to a large part of the airport, terminals and public areas.
Police estimate the homeless population has tripled since the change in policy and the end of the count was before the weather turned cold.
There is no firm count as to the number of homeless who call our airport home said an officer.
