Panhandling

Public:

Any stranger who approaches you on the street should be viewed with caution, regardless of appearance.

Never display money or reveal where you keep it to anyone. Someone asking for change, or another observer, may be tempted to forcibly demand you give up all of your cash.

Always report any confrontation with someone who physically or verbally forces you to give them money.

Business Owners:

If business owners do not welcome panhandlers they should post at each exit "no soliciting" signs with wording provided by their legal counsel. Some business owners include in their signage information regarding charitable donations and where those interested can donate. If a business owner does take the step of posting, it is important that they be ready to follow-through with prosecution, and not use signage or police response as an empty threat.

Public Sidewalks:

Panhandlers are not allowed to block the sidewalk. They do have a Constitutional right to free speech. We ask that any panhandler who is questionable or aggressive be reported to the Police so that we may check their history.