(A) The Macoupin or Jersey County Sheriffs Department and/or the Village of Brighton Police Department, or their designee(s), will have primary responsibility for the enforcement of the camping regulations herein. Nothing in this chapter shall prevent the Officers, or his designee(s), from obtaining voluntary compliance by way of warning, notice, education, or coordination with other willing public or private entities and/or community members.
(1) Prior to issuing any citation pursuant to this Chapter, the investigating officer shall provide a verbal and written warning to cease such unlawful conduct. Any public or private entities who whish to assist the Macoupin or Jersey County Sherill's Department and/or the Village of Brighton Police Department ('Department") in effectively and humanely transitioning individuals from unauthorized encampments on public property to an environment consistent with Village ordinances should contact the Department with a description of what services they can provide and effective contact information.
(2) Upon a determination by law enforcement that an area constitutes an unauthorized encampment, regardless of whether an individual is cited for a violation of this ordinance, Village officials shall have the right to remove any debris, contraband, or personal property that creates a legitimate health and safety concern, or that creates an immediate and substantial danger to the environment. No warning is required prior to such confiscation relating to health and safety concerns.
(3) Materials confiscated pursuant to this ordinance that are unsanitary or a danger to the health and safety of any person may be immediately disposed of. Otherwise, the Department shall provide 24-hour written notice prior to confiscating property. The Department shall retain personal property confiscated pursuant to this ordinance in a manner consistent with the handling of other confiscated property and must not dispose of such personal property for a period of seven calendar days, during which time the owner may retrieve such properly from the Department, pursuant to the procedure outlined in the policy. Nothing prevents Department members from disposing of property with the consent of the property owner. When Department members have received consent to dispose of property, Village officials shall assist Department members when necessary.
(Ord. 2024-02, passed 5-6-2024)