CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — The Cranston City Council is mulling an ordinance put forth by Mayor Ken Hopkins that would make an executive order giving officers the power to break up homeless encampments on city property permanent. Anthony Moretti, Hopkins' chief of staff, told 12 News the ordinance was introduced with safety in mind. "It's merely to protect the public and to protect the people of these encampments and get them suitable housing," Moretti explained. Moretti described Hopkins' ordinance as a "compassionate compromise" to his previous proposal, which would have granted officers permission to fine those living in temporary shelter on city property. Hopkins' ordinance also ensures that the officers will work alongside advocates to find safer and more suitable housing options. SEE ALSO: Protesters demand action as pallet shelters sit empty "It is not intended to pick on homeless people or people in the encampments," Moretti explained. "It's not suitable housing. It's unsafe, it's unsanitary and it's subject to crime amongst themselves." The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island is urging councilors to reject the measure, arguing that it punishes those whose only true offense is lacking a home. Instead of breaking up the encampments, the ALCU called for a "more empathetic response" to the issue. Jessica Salter of the Amos House noted that there aren't enough resources or shelter beds in the state for those people to move to. "Until we can offer someone something better, we need to think long and hard about the choices we're making to destroy property and remove people from what minor sense of safety they might have," Salter said. Nothing was decided Monday night, since the councilors voted to send the ordinance to committee for further study. NEXT: Home prices up 50% in 10 RI communities since 2018 Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW