TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Update on Panhandling
DATE: November 24, 2003
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide follow up information pertaining to the solicitation ordinance enacted on March 3, 2003.
BACKGROUND
In March, the Council amended the Town’s Solicitation Ordinance to include limitations on solicitation at night, and prohibitions of solicitation along roadways, shoulders and medians. During the months of April and May all police officers received training on the new ordinance. During this same time officers issued warnings to solicitors who were in violation of the new provisions. Issuance of citations began on June 1, 2003.
In September, we reported to the Council that one citation and two warnings for roadside solicitation have been issued. Only four complaints were received by the Police Department about panhandling. Fifteen solicitation charges were levied against twelve individuals.
PRESENT SITUATION
Since our last report to Council, only one citation has been issued for asking for money at a bus shelter.
Throughout the summer and fall we have maintained a visible presence by officers, civilian security monitors, and Wackenhut security personnel.
SUMMARY
We believe that the intended results of the ordinance amendments enacted in March have been realized. People are still allowed to solicit during daylight hours. The public safety concerns of roadside solicitation have abated. Based on reports from the downtown officers, the number of people soliciting at night by means of vocal appeal or direct written appeal, and the number of people aggressively panhandling is dramatically reduced.