SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO.com) — The Sioux Falls police have seen an increase in panhandling at major intersections in the city over the last year.
Lieutenant Nick Cook says that from April of 2020 to September, there have been 536 calls to the police relating to panhandlers.
Cook says that as long as the person or people are not being aggressive, stopping traffic or trespassing on private property, holding a sign and asking for handouts is legal.
He also says that Sioux Falls has a charitable community and it should stay that way. Cook says donating to organizations like the Banquet that are made to help people on the streets is the best and safer way to give back and help those in need.
