DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) – Dallas Police patrol officers will no longer issue citations for those who are deemed to be aggressive panhandlers due to concerns over legal push back, that’s according to an internal memo obtained by WFAA TV.
That level panhandling is designated for those who panhandle after dark, near ATM’s and in areas marked as solicitation free zones.
Officers will be able to enforce the panhandling ordinance when it comes to the actual city streets.
The Dallas Police Association’s Mike Mata told WFAA TV officers are confused by the directive.
“How do we protect the public when our hands are tied? When it all comes down to it, as long as they’re not stepping in the roadway there’s not a lot we can do,” he said.
According to WFAA TV, there have been no legal challenges to the ordinance in Dallas.
Dallas City officials have denied such an order.
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