Panhandling

• NCJ Number: 194799
• Author(s): Michael S. Scott
• Date Published: September 2003
• Length: 69 pages
• Grant Number(s): 99-CK-WX-K004
• Sponsoring Agency: Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services; Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Handbook
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Problem-Oriented Guides for Police Series No. 13

Annotation

This guide is designed to assist police officers in dealing with the problem of panhandling.

Abstract

This guide is one of a series of guides designed to help police officers understand and confront various crimes or social problems in their communities. This issue deals specifically with the problem of panhandling, which may or may not be illegal, depending upon the jurisdiction. While not necessarily illegal everywhere in the United States, panhandling is considered a social problem. This guide begins by describing the act of panhandling as either passive or aggressive. Passive panhandling is described as non-coercive soliciting, often without the use of words. Aggressive panhandling, on the other hand, is coercive soliciting, often with the use of threats or implied threats. The guide goes on to identify factors that contribute to panhandling, such as economic, social, and legal factors. The author then provides some questions that will help the police officer ascertain whether panhandling is a problem in his or her community; questions such as the extent of complaints, who typically complains, and whether people alter their routine to avoid panhandlers. The remainder of the guide focuses on responses to the problem of panhandling. Appendix A offers a four page graph of the possible responses to panhandling that police officers can use as a quick reference. Possible ways of reducing panhandling include prohibiting the activity in certain places, requiring panhandlers to obtain solicitation permits, and prohibiting interference with pedestrians or vehicles. The guide concludes by listing several court cases in Appendix B that have addressed the constitutionality of panhandling and panhandling laws.