Mark and Paul have been saying it for years, now the city brass is finally admitting it, we have a transient problem in Downtown Billings.

Yesterday, several high ranking officials from the Billings Police Department met with city officials to figure out how to deal with the transients. They presented some sobering statistics. Last year,  Billings PD made 698 arrests for public drunkenness or disorderly conduct within a 500 foot radius of 27th Street and 6th Avenue. So far this year, they've made over 400 arrests.

According to the Police, when they ask transients why they chose to come to Billings, many of them say it's because Billings is so accommodating to their community.  There are many places for them to eat or find shelter.  And there are no ordinances against panhandling.  And the word is out.  Transients consider Billings to be a great place to come party.  We're kind of like the New Orleans for transients.

Of course, the Police have a difficult time because it's not illegal to be homeless.  There are no laws to limit the transient population.  Sadly, it's probably going to take a high profile violent encounter between a drunken transient and an innocent bystander to change those laws.

The Flakes aren't sure what the best solution is, but we're happy the City has finally admitted they have a problem.  As alcoholics like to say, that's the first step.  Somehow, we have to make Billings a less friendly place for these people to visit.  For many of these transients, their lifestyle is a choice.  Maybe we should make the choice to live here a little more difficult for them.

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