A state of emergency has been declared in the city of Jamestown, N.Y., due to a number of unauthorized homeless camps that have popped up across the city.

The declaration comes as an estimated 300 people have set up camps around Jamestown, some of which are along the Chadakoin River.

Erie News Now caught video of police breaking up some of the camps, which something they can do after the disaster declaration.

Jamestown officials say their plan includes sending extra police into areas with high incidents and strictly enforcing city codes.

They say the increase in homeless camps is creating health and safety concerns including human waste and needles in public spaces.