City of Santa Fe officials recently reminded its residents that homelessness isn’t a crime. Their reminder got me to thinking: What things ALSO aren’t crimes? Is walking outside a crime? Not unless you’re on house arrest, then it might be. Otherwise, walking outside isn’t a crime. What about dancing in a living room, is that a crime? Probably not, unless you’ve broken into your neighbor’s house and are dancing is her living room. Picking your nose definitely isn’t a crime. It’s gross and I don’t recommend doing it during a meeting, but it’s not a crime to dig deep into your nasal cavity.
I’m not sure, but I think my fellow Santa Feans are smart enough to know what aren’t crimes. But I appreciate that City officials are willing to provide updates of things they deem to NOT be crimes. I just wish they’d provide a comprehensive list such that I have a fuller picture of things that aren’t crimes. For example, I wish they’d put a public service announcement out about Lucky Charms. I have no idea if it’s a crime to buy Lucky Charms and I would love to have some. But without clear guidance from City officials, I’m just not comfortable buying them.
But I am happy to know that when I am working with people who are in transition and may not have permanent housing, I don’t have to have them whisper. After all, they might be “homeless,” but thanks to the City, I know they aren’t criminals. What a relief!
I do wonder, however, about how City of Santa Fe officials define crime. I mean, I’ve worked for the city and I’ve actually been at work when a meth use was rampant. It was at a “homeless” shelter the City stood up during the pandemic. Meth use within the facility wasn’t only tolerated, in a lot of ways, it was condoned. Maybe not overtly, but when the distinct smell of burning plastic filled the hallways, the shelter director felt that the residents would be calm after using. So, while homelessness isn’t a crime, apparently neither is meth use.
