INDIANAPOLIS — Frigid temperatures put everyone at risk — especially those in Indianapolis without shelter.
"It's a good feeling knowing that you know you've helped somebody in that situation," said IMPD Ofc. Phil Smiley, who has worked with the homeless unit for the past 12 years.
They have been out every day since Saturday checking on known homeless camps. Smiley said there's about 30 camps around the city they will check on this week.
"We're pretty familiar with most of those locations all over Marion County and, really, we focus on those that are not in a good place to be out here on their own," Smiley said.
The unit is helping those with a lack of shelter, food and clothing, some of whom are battling mental health and addiction issues.
"They maybe are not in a place where they're thinking best for their own welfare," Smiley said. "For me to be able to see that and help that guy survive tonight and be healthy for tomorrow, that's huge. As a policeman, that's one of our number one jobs is to protect people even if it's to protect them from themselves."
Smiley said Monday, he visited 12 camps and talked with several people still braving the cold.
"They spoke clearly, they had heat sources, and at that point, stated that they didn't really need anything at this time, but they were appreciative of us coming around and checking on them," Smiley said.
They will keep checking until the dangerous cold departs.
"I think new homeless get worried when the police approach that we're going to force them out of their camp, that were going to make them leave, and that's the last thing that we want to do," Smiley said. "We're there to provide them resources that they may need."