In Santa Cruz, police have historically lobbyed for more powerful "tools" such as the Sleeping Ban (when it was adopted in its current form in 1978). In 1999 Officer Jim Howes reportedly went door to door soliciting neighbors to request "No Parking" signs on Almar Avenue.

When this was reported to the Homeless Issues Task Force, the Chair came to the City Council and publicly denounced the effort. Council then directed no further "No Parking" signs until several years later when the Master Transportation study was done.

The police--at least the higher-ups--have historically not been neutral on this issue.