Subject:
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Consider a request to enact Section 16-6-60 of the Harrisonburg City Code to add restrictions on solicitations, begging, etc
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Presented By: Police Officer Langhans
Recommendation and Review:
Over the past months the Harrisonburg Police Department and City staff have received an increasing number of complaints regarding aggressive tactics used by some panhandlers. These aggressive tactics include following individuals who deny requests for money, loud, abusive and argumentative language, and approaching citizens in parking garages and other secluded areas using an overbearing, sometimes threatening manner. These aggressive tactics are obviously designed to intimidate citizens into giving money.
The attached draft ordinance is designed to prohibit objectively threatening conduct by individuals demanding money, while protecting their First Amendment rights. The right to non-aggressively solicit money from individuals is protected except for a limited number of places, such as at ATM's, bank entrances, and on public transportation.
This ordinance was originally presented to Council at their April 25, 2014 meeting and at that time a public hearing was set for this meeting. A public hearing was held during the last meeting.
Council approved 5-0, first reading.