Panhandlers:
- “I’m out of gas, can you spare some change?”
- “I am a few dollars short for a bus to…”
- “Can you spare some change for something to eat?
It is not illegal to ask for money, but it is illegal to aggressively beg or intimidate a passerby, intentionally touch or cause physical contact, follow or persist in begging, or obstruct a pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
Be Aware, Alert, and Confident
You are entitled to your space and do not have to be intimidated or harassed.
- Do not go into your wallet or purse in front of the individual
- Acknowledge panhandlers with a nod, answer any request for money with a polite, but firm “no,” and walk away
- You may also choose not to speak to the individual
If you feel threatened or intimidated, call the police:
- Give a description of the individual
- Location of occurrence
- Time of occurrence
- Direction of travel (with vehicle description if necessary)
