CLEARLAKE, Calif. — The Clearlake Police Department reported on its latest effort, in collaboration with county agencies, to address encampments through outreach and referrals to services.

On Wednesday, the department conducted a multi-agency outreach operation in collaboration with Lake County Behavioral Health Services and Lake County Adult Protective Services.

Police said the goal of the operation was to assess unlawful encampments, abandoned vehicles and debris accumulation, while simultaneously providing vital support services to individuals in need.

The operation focused on multiple locations, east of Walmart, a region known for illegal campsites, large-scale dumping and a history of fire hazards, police said.

During the operation, approximately 13 individuals were contacted. Police said all of the contacted individuals were provided with printed resource guides for housing, mental health and social service programs available throughout Lake County, along with care packages.

At the unoccupied encampments, the printed resource materials and care packages were left, so that the occupants would have access to them when they return, the department reported.

The city of Clearlake thanked Lake County Behavioral Health Services and Adult Protective Services for their assistance. “Their presence and expertise during this operation was instrumental in providing meaningful, person-centered outreach,” the city said.

Police said additional operations of this nature are planned throughout the city as part of an ongoing effort to address illegal encampments, reduce public health risks, fire hazards and connect individuals with services that promote improved quality of life.