The Carlsbad Police Department told the City Council it has emphasized education and outreach while implementing a new municipal code addressing illegal camping in vehicles. Since mid‑June enforcement began in earnest following a 30‑day warning window, officers and outreach teams have issued 40 camping citations, 32 warnings, 13 vehicle tows and made five arrests (arrests often for outstanding warrants or other criminal violations discovered during contacts).

Police described an approach that prioritizes shelter offers and referrals to services before citation. Outreach is a coordinated effort by the Homeless Outreach Team (HOTT), parking enforcement officers, housing and homeless services staff and nonprofit partners. Officers said enforcement can be complicated when vehicles are unoccupied or occupants will not answer doors; citations must be issued to individuals rather than to vehicles. That can limit immediate enforcement when no person is present.

The department also highlighted citywide parking enforcement efforts handled by police, community service officers and the Senior Volunteer Patrol. From January 1 through September 1 the teams issued more than 7,000 citations and warnings across categories that include blocking crosswalks, bike lanes, misuse of disabled spaces, expired registration, abandoned vehicles and oversized vehicle complaints. Senior volunteers provide extensive coverage and issue many 72‑hour parking notices used to address abandoned vehicles.

Public commenters included a person identifying as currently living in a vehicle who described delays and gaps in services and urged the city to expand rapid housing assistance; other residents raised neighborhood complaints about oversized RV parking, parties and recurring nuisance behavior. Council members asked for clarity on how best to report complaints and were reminded the non‑emergency dispatch line is the most immediate channel; staff also said they will provide abandoned‑vehicle contact information to council.

Staff said enforcement will continue to focus on violations that impact safety, mobility and curb access and that parking enforcement is being coordinated with engineering and transportation staff where longer‑term solutions are required.