Tyler Police Department Community Response Officer Shane Jasper instructs students on proper handcuffing procedures during the Tyler Police Department's Explorer Post No. 310 meeting June 28, 2017. The program meets every Tuesday and allows students to explore careers in law enforcement. (Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

With shelters like the Salvation Army, Gateway To Hope, and Highway 80 Rescue Mission near the city center, Tyler Police Department created a position dedicated to people experiencing homelessness.

“It’s a way to communicate because a lot of times people are afraid and uncomfortable talking to the homeless,” said Shane Jasper, who was recently named to the role.

Shelters draw people experiencing homelessness from all over East Texas into the area. With an uptick comes a need for someone to facilitate conversations. As the homeless outreach officer, Jasper serves as a mediator between those experiencing homelessness, the department and business owners.

Tyler City Council approved a homeless outreach officer for the TPD when it passed its 2021-2022 annual budget in September 2021. The homeless outreach officer researches available resources to assist someone out of homelessness and attends training to manage and approach individuals experiencing drug addiction and mental illness.

Jasper might receive a call if a homeless person is loitering inside or outside a business. If the owner is uncomfortable approaching that person, he would speak to them. He’s also received calls from relatives of homeless people seeking a welfare check for their loved one.

With an accurate description or a nickname, Jasper has successfully found individuals.

Jasper has over 25 years of experience in law enforcement. His previous downtown community relations officer (CRO) role prepared him for the homeless outreach officer position.

“With that position, I primarily dealt with the homeless,” Jasper said. “Before we had an actual liaison officer for the homeless, I was doing it as a CRO.”

Communication is the most critical part of his job, he said. He knows how to talk to people alike, whether they’re experiencing homelessness or have wealth.

“They’re people too; the majority, if you just go up and talk to them, will listen,” Jasper said. “If you talk to them like you would anybody else, most of the time, they respond positively.”

Jasper can give people experiencing homelessness access to information and resources they may not know about, like where they can send mail, take a warm shower, or wash their clothes.

Business owners sometimes call to report belongings left on their property. Jasper will look for the owner; if he can’t find them, it’s kept at the police department, where they can claim it.

Eventually, the items will be disposed of.

Jasper was inspired to pursue a career in law enforcement after meeting several community relations officers during the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles.

“Like most people, the only time you ever talk to the police is when you get a ticket or are talked to in a not-so-welcoming way,” Jasper said. “That was the start of me wanting to get into law enforcement.”

He wanted to show people a different side of police work and help others realize police officers are human, too.

“People are not used to talking to the police. Same thing with the homeless,” Jasper said.

One of the most rewarding aspects of his job is helping people get back on their feet. He’s connected people to resources that resulted in job opportunities and provided advice that got people off the streets. Not only does Jasper make first contact, but he follows up with them.

“That’s a good feeling. To see somebody that has nothing, living on the street, that needs a little encouragement and a little boost,” Jasper said. “Now they’re a functioning member of society.”

People can contact Jasper at 903-526-7623.