MADISON, Wis. -- In the wake of the slaying of a University of Wisconsin-Madison student in a downtown neighborhood frequented by beggars, some said they are concerned that the homeless are being unfairly scrutinized.

Groups that help the homeless said the killing of Brittany Zimmermann last week has started a backlash against the homeless.

Police have arrested dozens of transients on unrelated charges as part of the investigation. But none is considered a suspect in the death.

The Community Action Coalition called a noon news conference Thursday to respond to what they're calling a denigration of the area homeless by the media and police, which they said is further alienating the Madison homeless population.

"We ask that all of our neighbors be recognized for their inherent worth and dignity, (and) that we treat all of our neighbors with respect," said Linda Ketcham, of the Madison Area Urban Ministry.

But Madison police said the transient population, students, business owners and anyone who might have been in the area at the time of the slaying is part of the investigation.

"There were a number of transient people in that neighborhood, some of them going door to door around the time of this crime. So, it would be prudent on our part to at least talk with them to see if any of them saw something that was suspicious," said Joel DeSpain, Madison Police Department spokesman.

The city also announced plans this week to confront problems at nearby Brittingham Park, where the homeless congregate, although those efforts were in the works before the slaying. Proposed changes include installation of surveillance cameras and increased lighting.