SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Sioux Falls Police have responded to hundreds of complaint calls related to panhandling at key intersections in the city.
“Just for a five-month period at those five intersections, we’re at about 536 that we can track as a department,” and Lt. Nick Cook tells City Council that that doesn’t include complaints fielded by the State Highway Patrol or other law enforcement.
Cook says that police have been on special patrols at those intersections and it seems their presence has made a “slight difference”, but as soon as the cops leave the panhandlers are likely to return.
Assistant City Attorney Keith Allenstein advises Councilors that enforcement is complicated by First Amendment issues.
“We do have to remember to be careful if we are going to regulate protected speech and clearly panhandling is protected speech.”
City Councilors Christine Erickson and Greg Neitzert had asked the police to brief the council on the latest, as it seems to be a “hot topic” among citizens.
Of special concern is when people beg for money on the road medians, instead of on the side of the roads. The Authorities are afraid of the panhandlers stepping off or falling off the median, possibly into traffic.
