SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — With the warmer weather, the number of people standing next to streets and roadways asking for money has drastically increased in our community.
While panhandling generally is legal, as it is a protected First Amendment activity, there are multiple ways that it is illegal. Those instances include when individuals who are panhandling become aggressive or interrupt traffic to accept money, which is both dangerous and illegal.
In those areas where panhandling is common, police also have seen an increase in litter as well as issues associated with substance abuse. If you witness illegal panhandling activities, please don’t hesitate to call for a police response, so the situation can be addressed properly.
Our community has a charitable spirit, and while giving money to a panhandler may seem generous, the reality is that many panhandlers are using the funds they receive to fuel their addictions and purchase substances of abuse. This is an unfortunate pattern that our department has witnessed firsthand.
The best thing that we, as a community, can do to address panhandling is to not support it with our pocketbooks. There are many resources and organizations available in Sioux Falls that offer lodging and food services directly to those in need. By supporting these organizations, rather than an individual who is panhandling, you will be ensuring that your money is constructively assisting those who need help and potentially minimizing the issues caused by substance abuse.
We can curb dangerous panhandling activity by contributing not to individual panhandlers but instead to charitable community organizations that already care for the vulnerable in Sioux Falls. We ask that you help us spread this message to your family and friends as well.
(The Sioux Falls Police Department contributed this report/news release.)
