Unhoused in Pima County will not be punished following Supreme Court ruling [Video]

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) -Open-air homelessness is a common sight throughout Pima County, but it is not something that will end people in jail, according to the Pima County Attorney’s office.

A recent Supreme Court ruling said cities can outlaw homeless camps and people sleeping in public.

Pima County Attorney Laura Conover said the court’s decision takes this issue into a new arena and feels this ruling is unacceptable for several reasons.

“It’s false to suggest that we can arrest our way out of the problem of homelessness, that we can arrest our way out of substance use disorder, illness, and mental health, and it’s demoralizing for law enforcement out on the street to arrest someone based on these activities,” said Pima County Attorney Laura Conover.

Pima County Board of Supervisor chair Adelijta Grijalva echoed Conover, adding the legal system can’t handle the ruling.

“There is no capacity anywhere in …