Panhandling

1. Panhandling

2. A Day in the Life • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhzwB-3Zg0Ywww.youtube.comwww.youtube.com

3. What is panhandling • A panhandler is a type of beggar, generally one who uses aggressive begging tactics. In the United States, many people dislike panhandlers. This is often due to a lack of understanding about homelessness, mental illness, and other factors, which can lead someone to turn to panhandling. Panhandlers are often told to “get a job” and members of the public may abuse them as often as they are offered charity. Panhandlers are also given a bad name because some use aggressive or questionable tactics to get money from passerby.

4. Causes and Effects • An aggressive panhandler may be stationed near a bank or automatic teller machine, or in close proximity to a church in the hopes of appealing to the charitable traditions associated with many religions. People may also shout or pull at passerby in an attempt to force donations from them. Some panhandlers will follow people, scoff at small donations, or set up near an exclusive business in the hopes of pressuring the business owner to pay them to leave.  This creates an effect that may cause the pedestrian to withhold their money from other homeless individuals that have a peaceful approach.

5. GEORGIA LAWS • Like commercial solicitation laws passed in 1996 and 2005, the legislation outlaws begging for money within 15 feet of ATM machines and parking lot pay boxes.
But the new law also makes it illegal to monetarily solicit someone who is within 15 feet of a building entrance or exit. The same goes for someone standing in line to enter a building or event facility. The regulations would apply equally throughout the city, with no special provisions for tourist areas.
Mayor Kasim Reed is expected to sign the legislation.
The city’s current panhandling ordinance has not been enforced with jail time, according to Atlanta police and attorneys. That’s apparently because the seven-year old law allows for for warnings, written citations and court summons for aggressive panhandlers, but not for arrests.
Panhandlers have been arrested for related charges, such as disorderly conduct, however.
The new ordinance prohibits panhandlers from continuing to ask for money after they have been told no.
Upon first conviction, a violator could be sentenced to up to 30 days of community service. A second conviction for aggressive panhandling would result in a mandatory 30 days in jail. Upon the third or future convictions, panhandlers would be required to serve a mandatory minimum of 90 days in jail.