Public Announcements
 

 

 

Panhandling

 

 

"Can you spare a quarter?"  Familiar words to anyone who shops or walks around any shopping area or public place.  How should you react to someone who poses this question?  Is it best to ignore a panhandler or give them money?

Here are some suggestions that you may consider the following in an encounter with a panhandler:

bulletAny stranger who approaches you on the street should be viewed with caution, regardless of their appearance.
bulletNEVER display money or reveal where you keep it to anyone.  Someone asking for change or another observer may be tempted to forcibly demand that you give up all your cash or valuables.
bulletALWAYS report any confrontation that you have with someone who physically or verbally forces you to give them money.  Call and report the incident to the police.