Community
O u tre ac h &
Resources
Program
In an effort to utilize community
policing strategies and address the
growing homeless population in the
Coachella Valley, Chief Twiss called
together representatives from various
public and private agencies to discuss
the resources available in establishing
a homeless court. Members of the
committee included representatives from
the Indio Police Department Quality of
Life Team, Department of Public Social
Services, the District Attorney’s Office, the
Public Defender’s Office, Conflict Panel,
Probation, Judges and Commissioners
from the Riverside Superior Court, and the
Department of Mental Health. Additional
partner providers included Coachella
Valley Rescue Mission, ABC Recovery and
Martha’s Village and Kitchen.
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Recognizing the stigma of the word homeless
and the often negative experiences of the homeless
population in the justice system, the program was
given the name of Community Outreach and Resources
Program (CORP). CORP is designed to reward positive
change and assist participants with reentry into society
by alleviating financial burdens and eliminating
obstacles to future job prospects.
There are two ways in which a person can become
a participant in CORP. One, they are currently
participating in a partner provider program and are
referred by their case manager. Two, an Officer with the
Indio Police Department Quality of Life Team makes
contact in the field, takes the time to explain CORP and
the person then agrees to begin participation in one of
the partner provider programs.
Once the individual is actively participating in
a partner program, their case manager submits an
application on their behalf to the Public Defender’s
Office which is then reviewed for open cases or
convicted matters with fines and fees owed. If the
individual appears appropriate, their case is referred to
the District Attorney’s Office for a background check. At
a quarterly meeting, the individual is discussed by all
members of the committee. Items of discussion include
their social history, participation level at the program,
and criminal background. The individual also writes a