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 Use caution when approached by a panhandler By Gene Friedman Panhandling is a fact of life in Savannah. While it certainly cannot be considered one of the city’s more charming aspects, it is just another facet of this beautiful and unique city that must be understood. Panhandling is generally defined as the act of stopping people on the street or in public places and asking for money. Aggressive panhandlers may use threat or intimidation when soliciting funds. While many panhandlers are transients or homeless people, some may in fact be local residents. Panhandlers can be intimidating to some people. When confronted by one, the result is usually great internal conflict. The Good Samaritan in each person struggles against concern about encouraging certain lifestyles or addictions. To be better prepared when faced with a panhandler, the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department offers the following strategies: View any stranger who approaches you on the street with caution, regardless of his or her appearance. Never display money and quickly put change away in a discreet manner. A show of cash might invite a robber to demand money or encourage a panhandler to approach. Immediately report a confrontation with a panhandler to the police, just as with any crime. There are a better ways to assist the homeless and poor than by giving them money on the street. Donate time or money to charities that are geared to helping them. These organizations are staffed and structured to offer the social services that can most benefit these people, including meals and shelter. Businesses can reduce loitering and panhandling by posting “No Trespassing” signs on their property. The area surrounding a business should also be well-lit and clear of debris. Free coffee should not be offered to homeless people, as this serves only as an attraction to others. Trash containers and Dumpsters should be kept locked to prevent them serving as a source of temporary shelter or food. Source: Cpl. Y. Taylor, Savannah Community Alert Network Friedman is director of college security at SCAD. |
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