Don’t Give Money to Panhandlers, Says Fairfax County PD

Amanda Engel

WMAL.COM

WASHINGTON (WMAL) — The Fairfax County Police Department is encouraging residents to avoid giving money to panhandlers.

While police maintain that panhandling, even in roadway medians, is legal, they are trying to discourage panhandling in the county. However, they do want anyone who sees a panhandler break the law to contact police.

They say this year there have been roughly 2,100 calls related to panhandlers in the area.

Instead of giving panhandlers money, which police say only encourages more of the practice, the county says it’s better to refer panhandlers to one of Fairfax’s social services programs.

“Panhandlers who are truly in need require more resources than small amounts of money,” according to a statement.

To see the full statement, click here.