Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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Advice on calling the cops (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by lilmissambersue
So, we have a few unhoused regulars and there's one dude in particular who is normally so chill. I really enjoy talking to him. Unfortunately he is an alcoholic and has been drinking so much recently. He sleeps behind the store and we have told him 3 times he has to be gone by the time we get there to open. Then he was caught drinking out there during the day and was asked to not return at all.
This morning he was there again. The shift went and told him he needed to leave and he did. BUT, before he left 2 people he knows came over and were hanging outside. These 2 people have done meth in the bathroom and have stolen tips from us. They are banned and have been told that.
The shift almost called the cops because when asked to leave they started yelling and calling him racial slurs. They left and didn't come back so we didn't call the cops.
I open tomorrow and it's just me, a tiny woman, and shift, another tiny woman.... the shift this morning is a dude and very firm. I'm worried that the regular we asked to leave is going to be there again with those people.
I REALLLLLLLYYYYYYY don't want to call the cops. But I honestly feel kinda unsafe now. If he is there when I pull up tomorrow, I want to call the cops. It's emotionally exhausting dealing with it at this point. I don't feel we should have to interact with him and ask politely anymore.
I'm so fucking sad about all of this too. When he was sober he was so nice and chill. He would never be asleep in the back when we showed up.
The couple also started out somewhat chill too.
I don't want to tell people they can't use our bathroom or have water. I don't want to call the cops on them. I just feel like I'm done with this and they clearly not listening to any of us. I feel like our only option is to call the cops, but I just feel so guilty doing that. I just don't know what else to do....
This morning he was there again. The shift went and told him he needed to leave and he did. BUT, before he left 2 people he knows came over and were hanging outside. These 2 people have done meth in the bathroom and have stolen tips from us. They are banned and have been told that.
The shift almost called the cops because when asked to leave they started yelling and calling him racial slurs. They left and didn't come back so we didn't call the cops.
I open tomorrow and it's just me, a tiny woman, and shift, another tiny woman.... the shift this morning is a dude and very firm. I'm worried that the regular we asked to leave is going to be there again with those people.
I REALLLLLLLYYYYYYY don't want to call the cops. But I honestly feel kinda unsafe now. If he is there when I pull up tomorrow, I want to call the cops. It's emotionally exhausting dealing with it at this point. I don't feel we should have to interact with him and ask politely anymore.
I'm so fucking sad about all of this too. When he was sober he was so nice and chill. He would never be asleep in the back when we showed up.
The couple also started out somewhat chill too.
I don't want to tell people they can't use our bathroom or have water. I don't want to call the cops on them. I just feel like I'm done with this and they clearly not listening to any of us. I feel like our only option is to call the cops, but I just feel so guilty doing that. I just don't know what else to do....
Spiritual_Resource36 37 points 11m ago
Do whatever you feel is best for your own safety. That should be the only thing that matters, especially while at work
sheep_heavenly 22 points 11m ago
Sometimes there's resources at the city or county level. They're sometimes called "outreach officers" or something similar. They're not police, they're something similar to social workers in that they show up to support the person in crisis and help them to resources that can help. A good outreach officer will build rapport, get a little trust, and encourage the person to better behavior. Enrolling in a sobriety program, addressing housing needs, that kind of thing.
It's a bit of leg work to find out what your area offers, if any, but the easiest way to find that information imo is just call any social services program in your area and ask.
You're not wrong for feeling unsafe. I had to limit contact with a regular who was going through crisis and was becoming increasingly unfriendly, I couldn't help him the way he needed. But someone who's literally trained and prepared to help someone in crisis could, so that's the best people to reach out to.
It's a bit of leg work to find out what your area offers, if any, but the easiest way to find that information imo is just call any social services program in your area and ask.
You're not wrong for feeling unsafe. I had to limit contact with a regular who was going through crisis and was becoming increasingly unfriendly, I couldn't help him the way he needed. But someone who's literally trained and prepared to help someone in crisis could, so that's the best people to reach out to.
lilmissambersue [OP] 15 points 11m ago
Thank you this is very helpful!
He needs help and I'm just not the one.
None of these people deserve to live like they do. It breaks my heart to see it. I don't want them arrested and mistreated.
He needs help and I'm just not the one.
None of these people deserve to live like they do. It breaks my heart to see it. I don't want them arrested and mistreated.
ThankfulWonderful 6 points 11m ago
There should be a community outreach program in your area. If they’re stealing or being violent tho- like in general in life you gotta just keep yourself safe whatever that needs to me.
VirtualPen9912 9 points 11m ago
It sounds like you’ve given them ample opportunity and several chances, so you have to do what you have to do. You shouldn’t feel bad because you’ve given them the chance to act right and they still choose not to.
rascallytrashbergs 7 points 11m ago
If the cops in your city are anything like mine, they’ll either refuse to help or won’t show up for hours, so honestly…be prepared for that
devilsreject4926 4 points 11m ago
I agree with the commenter who said to call one of those outreach things. Cops will just make things worse. They hate homeless people, and generally treat mentally ill people very badly. They aren't really trained for this type of situation. A social services program would actually help this guy get back onto his feet and the problem will be solved for everyone.
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