The Lancaster city police said Thursday they are stepping up enforcement in response to an uptick in aggressive panhandling, trespassing and other violations, especially downtown.
The department said it is also getting more calls regarding illegal drug activity, especially fentanyl and K2 overdoses.
“These challenges are straining public resources among first responders which include police, fire, and EMS, and significantly reducing the health and safety of our public spaces in the downtown area,” the department said in a statement.
“We are actively working to address and reduce these concerns through increased proactive enforcement and collaboration with community partners,” it said.
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the mere act of asking for money is protected speech. However, cities are allowed to prohibit aggressive or coercive behavior. In Lancaster’s case, an ordinance passed in 2016 bans panhandlers from, among other things, using abusive language, blocking someone’s path or following them, or continuing a solicitation after being refused.
The Lancaster City Alliance houses the Downtown Investment District, which staffs blue-shirted “clean teams” and red-shirted “ambassadors” in the business district, as well as a street outreach worker. In a statement, alliance President Marshall Snively said the organization fully supports the police department’s efforts.
People should not give to panhandlers, he said, instead advising that donations be made to the many local organizations working to help people struggling with homelessness and substance abuse.
“Lancaster is a generous community, but that generosity is being taken advantage by many and unfortunately is leading to aggressive behavior, drug use and overdoses. This is a threat to health and safety for all,” Snively said.
