A newly initiated crackdown on aggressive panhandlers in downtown Dallas has led to more than 15 arrests in less than a week, officials say.
“The streets seem much cleaner. It’s not as congested as it (usually) is. Nobody is following us anymore,” said Victoria Nino.
The department went on the offensive after local business owners and downtown residents voiced frustrations over lax enforcement. Uniformed and plain-clothes officers, mounted police, and K-9 units are working 16-hours every day conducting sweeps downtown and at DART stations. Instead of writing citations, officers are arresting aggressive panhandlers.
“I don’t know if it’s the best approach, I don’t know if it’s the worst either,” said Phillip King. “It’s a trial-and-error situation.”
Jazmyn Davis has encountered several panhandlers downtown. She believes the department has good intentions, but said the program seems a bit heavy-handed.
“What do you consider aggressive?” Davis asked. “If they’re being respectful about it I would just write them a citation.”
The department is relying on a repetitive enforcement strategy to get a handle on the issue. Some offenders who have been arrested get out of jail and go right back to panhandling. There is currently no timetable for when the initiative will end. Nino said the positive effects go beyond Dallas residents.
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“People from out of town who have never been in Dallas, they can have a good time here and enjoy all the bars and restaurants, instead of having to worry about watching their back,” she said.
