Hi - this article states that aggressive panhandling is prohibited in Chicago and it cites the Municipal Code. Could you please provide the specific section in the code? I looked and could not find it.
Yes, technically, the "aggressive panhandling" language in the code got repealed. So that, in itself, is no longer illegal.
However, the kinds of activities that accompany it (and that were listed in the old 8-4-025) are. As examples, it is illegal to touch people, chase them and harass them, threaten them with violence, etc.
Here is a good summary of what officers should do (and homeless need to know) from the
paragraph 1: "The purpose of this bulletin is to assist officers in making informed enforcement decisions in light of the City’s decision to repeal its aggressive panhandling
ordinance (MCC 8-4-025) effective 01 January 2019. Officers must cease enforcing MCC 8-4-025 immediately in light of the repeal."
paragraph 2: "Although the City has repealed the aggressive panhandling ordinance, alternative charges may still apply, depending on the circumstances of a particular case. This bulletin identifies several viable charges that may be appropriate when dealing with a panhandler who is acting in an aggressive or threatening fashion.
last 3 paragraphs: Homelessness: Since many individuals engaged in panhandling are likely to be homeless, it is important to reiterate that neither the status of being homeless nor the simple act of panhandling are criminal offenses.
"Officers should always consider aiding and providing the homeless useful resources as alternatives to making an arrest. Chicago's Department of Family
and Support Services maintains a hot-line for the homeless at (800) 654-8595."
"Questions regarding this bulletin should be directed to the Office of Legal Affairs at (312) 745-6115."
Hi - this article states that aggressive panhandling is prohibited in Chicago and it cites the Municipal Code. Could you please provide the specific section in the code? I looked and could not find it.
Yes, technically, the "aggressive panhandling" language in the code got repealed. So that, in itself, is no longer illegal.
However, the kinds of activities that accompany it (and that were listed in the old 8-4-025) are. As examples, it is illegal to touch people, chase them and harass them, threaten them with violence, etc.
Here is a good summary of what officers should do (and homeless need to know) from the
LEGAL BULLETIN #2019-01,OFFICE OF LEGAL AFFAIRS: AGGRESSIVE PANHANDLING Enforcement Concerns (January 2019)
paragraph 1: "The purpose of this bulletin is to assist officers in making informed enforcement decisions in light of the City’s decision to repeal its aggressive panhandling
ordinance (MCC 8-4-025) effective 01 January 2019. Officers must cease enforcing MCC 8-4-025 immediately in light of the repeal."
paragraph 2: "Although the City has repealed the aggressive panhandling ordinance, alternative charges may still apply, depending on the circumstances of a particular case. This bulletin identifies several viable charges that may be appropriate when dealing with a panhandler who is acting in an aggressive or threatening fashion.
last 3 paragraphs: Homelessness: Since many individuals engaged in panhandling are likely to be homeless, it is important to reiterate that neither the status of being homeless nor the simple act of panhandling are criminal offenses.
"Officers should always consider aiding and providing the homeless useful resources as alternatives to making an arrest. Chicago's Department of Family
and Support Services maintains a hot-line for the homeless at (800) 654-8595."
"Questions regarding this bulletin should be directed to the Office of Legal Affairs at (312) 745-6115."
full text at: https://www.chicagocop.com/wp-content/uploads/Legal-Bulletin-2019-01-Aggressive-Panhandling-Enforcement-Concerns.pdf