Overview
The mission of the San Diego Police Department’s Neighborhood Policing Division (NPD) is to enhance the quality of life and safety in San Diego neighborhoods in a manner that is compassionate, professional and fair to all.
Help a Homeless Neighbor
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
Homeless Outreach

The Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) provides community members experiencing homelessness a liaison to available social services.
The purpose of HOT is to provide an alternative to enforcement for those who find themselves in need of assistance and willing to accept help.
7 days / week • Build trust • Provide education • Offer services • Connect to shelter
Progressive Enforcement Model
NPD uses a “progressive enforcement” model to provide a consistent approach that is compassionate yet firm. Officers are trained to always offer shelter to individuals prior to taking enforcement action and continue to provide offers for shelter and services at each interaction.
The progressive enforcement model is only used in instances where individuals are in violation of the following:
All other violations of the law will be applied to the same extent as all residents.
Diversion
San Diego offers a variety of alternatives to the criminal justice system for individuals who have committed certain offenses. Diversion programs include:
Community Response
NPD teams are paired with the City’s Clean SD crews to respond to encampment requests received through the City’s Get It Done mobile app to connect homeless individuals with services and clean up trash and debris. This is in addition to calls or emails for assistance that the team receives from community members, SDPD’s dispatch system and other City departments.