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)