Panhandling Problem

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Pages: 5

America is on the brink of a crisis. If there is a fissure, in which to fall, America is close to it. Stemming from the recent economic decline, cities all across America are experiencing a rapid influx of panhandling and homelessness. It will take years, maybe even decades, before understanding the social and economic impact the crisis will have on society. Because of panhandling has multiple factors relating to its cause and its age diversity amongst the population the seriousness of the problem needs further consideration at all levels of government. Developing effective strategies to contend with difficult, sometimes dangerous, and unmanageable situations is imperative. Mayor, city council, citizens of Honolulu, now is the time to stop …show more content…
19). Most citizens do not know or fully understand that panhandling is legal, and considered freedom of speech; leading to misconceptions about the use of laws and ordinances trying to regulate the issue. Kozlowski (2016) found, “As noted by the federal district court, begging is a form of solicitation that is protected by the First Amendment” (p. 2). It is important to realize that most panhandlers probably know they are within their First Amendment Rights and will walk that proverbial fine line, between right and wrong, as long as they can get away with it. In order to achieve workable solutions, the city must re-examine its current laws and methods; while creatively establishing new ordinances to limit the when, where, why, and how panhandlers operate. Placing certain limitations on panhandling does not infringe on Constitutional Rights. The challenge or downside to the implementation of these ordinances is enforcing them. A key factor of this is the lack of personnel. The city’s law enforcement agencies are stretched to limit with more arduous crimes and severe acts of violence. As a result, most incidences of panhandling go undeterred. Utilizing a fundamental approach such as, educating the public about the numerous resources available to aid the less fortunate will be an essential element of prohibiting panhandling in the