The Fairfax County Police Department says it gets "hundreds of calls related to panhandling" every year.
"The calls range from traffic issues to concerns about the person who is panhandling to fears about a suspicious person at an intersection," Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck noted in a recent email to residents.
Giving a panhandler cash or spare change is not the right thing to do. "While many of you may get a good feeling by providing money, the reality is that people who panhandle often require more resources than small amounts of money," Storck wrote. "Donations of cash will not help solve the underlying reasons why someone panhandles."
Panhandling is legal and is not something Fairfax County can ban. The activity is constitutionally protected (by the First Amendment). Police officers may stop an individual from panhandling when the person violates traffic laws or otherwise engages in criminal activity.
Instead, residents may consider directing individuals in need to County-provided resources — that "is much more effective in helping them find the long-term, sustainable assistance they require." The County has provided a flyer that residents can print out and keep in their vehicle. (However, drivers and pedestrians should only do this when it seems safe to do so, recognizing a risk that panhandlers may be frustrated at receiving the information instead of the money they're asking for.)
In response to questions from residents, Fairfax County officials have created a webpage with answers to frequently asked questions about the laws, resources and more.
Watch the video below for more information.
