Aggressive Panhandling
Panhandling is a growing social and public safety concern faced by cities of all sizes, including Bloomington. Many panhandlers passively ask for money or hold a sign. Others are much more aggressive, making loud, sometime repeated demands and some panhandlers choose to solicit in places that are particularly intimidating such as near ATM machines, in a restroom or near your car. This is considered aggressive panhandling and in Indiana is against the law. You can take action, both to stop the crime and to make a real difference to help people in need. On this page you will find how panhandling is defined; behaviors that are in violation of the law, guidelines for responding to panhandlers and agencies that work with the homeless and low income families in our community.
Definition: Panhandling
According to Indiana Code 35-45-17, Chapter 17, Panhandling means to solicit an individual
- On a street or in another public place; and
- By requesting an immediate donation of money or something else of value.
The term includes soliciting an individual:
- By making an oral request
- In exchange for performing music, singing or engaging in another type of performance; or
- By offering the individual an item of little or no monetary value in exchange for money or another gratuity under circumstances that would cause a reasonable individual to understand that the transaction is only a donation. What is the difference between solicitation and aggressive panhandling?
When Panhandling crosses the line:
Panhandling crosses the lines of acceptability and legality when a person knowingly or intentionally does any of the following:
- Panhandles after sunset and before sunrise
- Touches the individual being solicited without consent
- When the individual being solicited is:
- At a bus stop
- In a vehicle
- At a facility used for public transportation
- In a motor vehicle that is stopped on a public street or alley (unless approved)
- In the sidewalk dining area of a restaurant
- Within twenty (20) feet of an automated teller machine or the entrance to a bank
- Standing in line and waiting to be admitted to a commercial establishment
- Panhandlers may not:
o Block the path of the individual being solicited
o Block the entrance to a building or motor vehicle
o Use profane or abusive language during a solicitation or after being declined
o Make a statement, gesture or other communication that would cause an individual to fear for their safety or feel compelled to donate
o Panhandle with another individual
o Follow or accompany the solicited individual with that individual's consent after the solicited individual has declined to donate money
Guidelines for Responding to Aggressive Panhandling
The decision to give to a panhandler is purely an individual decision. However, if you choose not to donate the best response is to politely say "no" and walk away. Other ways to respond include:
- Donate your money to legitimate organizations dedicated to helping homeless and low income families in our community
- Volunteer http://www.bloomington.in.gov/volunteer your time to organizations and service agencies addressing this issue
- Become more knowledgeable about panhandling, homelessness by visiting local social service agencies to learn of other ways you can help.
If a panhandler becomes aggressive or if you feel threatened call 911 or tell a police officer on patrol.
What you can do to help homeless and low-income families in our community
Bloomington has many agencies who work with low income individuals and families. Many of these agencies may be found on the United Way of Monroe County website. Others are list
- Monroe County United Way - www.monroeunitedway.org - for a list of Partner Agencies
- South Central Community Action Program - www.sccap.monroe.in.us
- Stepping Stones Transitional Housing for Youth Experiencing Homelessness - http://www.steppingstones-inc.org
Remember, aggressive panhandling does NOT include:
Standing passively, sitting, performance art or a sign or other indication that a donation is being sought, without any vocal request other than in response to an inquiry by another person.