PHOTOS: Police Find Homeless Encampment At Malden Center

Update: Malden Police Chief Kevin Molis just sent this statement: 

"It appears that some of your readers have drawn the false conclusion that a homeless person was forcibly removed from the property of the Malden Center MBTA Station by the actions of the Malden Police. 

As I told you, Captain Glen Cronin discovered that people appeared to be unlawfully inhabiting an area of the MBTA property by evidence of a tent, blankets, discarded food, liquor bottles, cigarette butts and used condoms. No person was located at this sight. No person was removed from the area. 

I also emphasized to you that our police officers are very aware of and are sensitive to the various adverse life conditions that effect members of society. These include but are not limited to the issues of homelessness, unemployment, economic hardship, alcohol and drug abuse and mental health issues. Our responses to these issues are guided by law, compassion and community needs. 

Consistent with that guidance, Malden Police officers regularly respond to situations involving people existing on the margins of society. For these people most in need our officers selflessly provide first responder medical care. They obtain emergency medical transportation and hospital care. They seek mental health treatment. They provide referrals to substance abuse treatment facilities. They provide direction to homeless shelters. 

The false perception that some have drawn from the article is contrary to the professional and compassionate response that manifests itself on a regular basis by the Malden Police. It should also be clear that the situation discovered by Captain Cronin represents a potentially hazardous and unhealthy environment for anyone to have to endure.

The conditions that Captain Cronin witnessed were indisputably unlawful, unsanitary, unhealthy and unsafe. To allow these conditions to continue would have been contradictory to the best interest of the poor person having to live there and the best interest of the community."

Original story: Malden Police Capt. Glen Cronin discovered the encampment last week after Malden Police began increasing their presence there, Police Chief Kevin Molis said.