Chronic Nuisance Offender Program
A Chronic Nuisance Offender is a person who repeatedly violates state law and/or local ordinances in a manner that infringes on the rights of law-abiding citizens to peacefully enjoy public spaces or exercise their rights to keep their private property secure and safe for their intended purposes and use.
The Citrus Heights Police Department (CHPD) has identified that many of the violations that directly affect the average community member’s quality of life are those that are considered low-level criminal misdemeanors or municipal code violations. Though these violations are considered a low priority within the criminal justice system, they represent a significant nuisance for those in our community. The chart below provides examples of the types of violations commonly seen to impact the quality of life of our community.
OFFENSE | DESCRIPTION |
UNLAWFUL CAMPING | |
UNLAWFUL STORAGE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY | |
UNAUTHORIZED REMOVAL OF SHOPPING CART | |
PUBLIC ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION | |
BLOCKING/OBSTRUCTING PASSAGE OF PEDESTRIANS | |
UNLAWFUL URINATION/DEFECATION | |
SCAVENGING – REMOVAL OF WASTE | |
BLOCKING/STANDING IN ROADWAY | |
STANDING, SITTING, OR LYING IN DRIVEWAY | |
UNLAWFUL STANDING, STOPPING, SITTING, OR LAYING ON MEDIAN | |
LITTERING ON PUBLIC/PRIVATE PROPERTY | |
TRESPASS | |
PUBLIC NUISANCE | |
ILLEGAL SQUATTING | |
DEPOSITING/PERMITTING TO PASS INTO WATERS | |
LITTERING WITHIN 150 FT OF WATER |
Law enforcement and city staff strongly prefer to see offenders take advantage of available resources, but for those who cannot, the chronic nuisance offender program provides consequences for continued bad behavior. The Citrus Heights Police Department works collaboratively with the District Attorney and our own City Attorneys to identify offenders who have committed repeated violations within a rolling twelve-month period. These cases are evaluated to determine the cumulative negative impact on the community. If a person appears to be a chronic nuisance to the community, a case agent is assigned to package these cases together and present a case to the court that best articulates the complete effect of the violator’s actions on the community. The court may then evaluate the best course of action to prevent further violations. This may include incarceration, mandated treatment, or enhanced probation terms.