Title: Panhandling
Abstract: This problem-oriented policing guide focuses on panhandling. An important distinction is drawn between passive panhandling (solicitation without threat or menace), which is often a low priority for police, and aggressive panhandling (coercive and threatening solicitation), which can sometimes warrant an arrest. Profiles of panhandlers indicate that, contrary to popular belief, only a minority are homeless. Motivations for panhandling include disinterest in or the inability to maintain regular employment due to substance abuse problems. Among the people most likely to give money to panhandlers are college students, women, and minorities. The report also discusses economic, social and legal factors that influence panhandling levels and also poses questions to help cities assess their local problems with panhandling. Examples are provided of effective tactics employed in cities throughout the U.S. Research across the nation suggests that the most effective panhandling laws and the ones most likely to survive legal challenge are ones that prohibit aggressive panhandling and panhandling in specific locations as opposed to the prohibition of all panhandling.
Author First Name: Michael S.
Author: Michael S. Scott
Author Last Name: Scott
Author eMail: askCOPSRC@usdoj.gov
Publisher: U.S. Department of Justice
Publisher Website: http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/
Date of Publication:
Publication Type: Book
Focus: Community
Issue: Multi-use Sidewalks
Date Submitted: 5/4/2006
Submitted by: Alicia Lakomski
|