BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — The Bismarck City Commission meeting passed a new city ordinance on Tuesday, October 8 that prohibits people from camping in public right-of-ways, on city benches, and in front of entrances to buildings. The new ordinance gives the Bismarck Police Department (BPD) the authority to remove illegal campsites found in any public spaces throughout the city. However, the new law also requires police to give people a 24-hour notice to remove their belongings before any action is taken. If the notice is not adhered to, any property confiscated by police will then have to be claimed by its owner at the BPD. Photo courtesy of the City of Bismarck. BPD Deputy Chief Jason Stugelmeyer says the ordinance came about after the city received numerous complaints about the accumulation of property in public spaces throughout Bismarck, sometimes blocking public right-of-ways. Supporters of the ordinance say it's needed to promote public safety, while opponents say it criminalizes homelessness. Allen DeRockbraine, Jr., of Bismarck, says he has experienced homelessness in the past. "I was kicked out of a public place just because I was publicly camping," said DeRockbraine. Although he is not for or against the ordinance, he says more services — such as shelters — should be provided to help those in the community who have no place to call home. This map shows and tracks all the active North Dakota wildfires "It's more food for thought to understand that they're they're actually trying to do more about it, which I would think in the in the balance of schemes, is to open up more homeless things like that," said DeRockbraine. Like DeRockbraine, Bruce Patterson, who also lives in Bismarck, once experienced homelessness himself in much bigger cities. He says that he's not against the city of Bismarck's new prohibitive camping ban, however, he is concerned the new ordinance could lead to future laws that could restrict people's freedom to travel in public places. "As Americans, we have rights, and we have freedom. So I kind of ask, we aren't free to wander, or we aren't free to be here?" asked Patterson. He says homeless shelters may offer some people a place to seek refuge, but feels they come with some restrictions for those that stay there. "They want you in the structured shelter, so they can keep their tabs on you, maybe," said Patterson. Although police will be responsible for enforcing the new ordinance, Patterson understands they have a job to do. "You know, all the cops I've run into here are decent people. I've never had a problem with them even when I was the problem. They're pretty cool," expressed Patterson. Stugelmeyer says he also wants people to know that Bismarck Police are willing to help those in need. He says that when they do give notices to people to remove their campsites, they'll also provide information for them on where they can get help from several community organizations. Bismarck's prohibitive camping ban does not criminalize sleeping on a public bench. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW