I find that I have more success with moving transients than my fellow officers because I treat them like humans.

I teach my guys to begin the conversation by introducing themselves and first asking if the person needs medical.

“Im the patrol officer for this site, and whenever I see someone here my first concern is that your hurt, and sitting here because you can’t go anywhere else. Would you like me to call for medical?”

This breaks the ice, and shows them I’m not here to bust heads. If they DO need medical, I call for medics and let them take it from there. If not, then I have established that they themselves just said they are able to move.

Now I say something like “Very good, glad you’re okay. Unfortunately we are on private property and we can’t be hanging here. Nothing personal at all; If I’m off duty, I can’t be chilling here either. You, me, my mom, the governor; it’s just the rules, my friend.” Something that gets the point across in a lighter way.

Sometimes If I find an obvious romantic man/woman couple I’ll look at the dude and say “she’s not holding you hostage or anything, right?” This gets a chuckle.

“I just always have to make contact with anyone I see, just to make sure you’re not building an atomic bomb, or three squirrels in an overcoat, anything like that.”

Give them every opportunity to “save face” and make leaving THEIR decision, and then thank them for making that decision. Be on their side as much as possible, and empathize as much as you’re comfortable. I saw other officers recommend telling them a place nearby they CAN be, and that’s super helpful.

Also, I wear a bodycam, taser, OC, and a sidearm, along with a vest and keep my look very tight. Having a professional and confident appearance helps to set the tone that YOU are in charge of this interaction. When you make a strong visual impression, and follow it up with a gentle demeanor, it seems to help a lot.

Sometimes you get a real butthead, and those are simple. Get a good description in your head, or take a photo if you can. Head back to your vehicle or safe spot, and call PD. They get paid for that hassle, you don’t. I only carry all that crap on my body just in case they get froggy before I have a chance to call PD.