---
title: "Panhandler Action Plan"
type: "pdf"
year: "2011"
canonical: "/projects/953"
---

# Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Panhandler Action Plan 

"Reducing the cause and effect of panhandlers at intersections with a comprehensive problem solving plan"

# Table of Contents

- [Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Panhandler Action Plan](#palm-beach-county-sheriffs-office-panhandler-action-plan)
- [Summary](#summary)
- [DESCRIPTION](#description)
- [RESPONSE:](#response)
- [Homeless Advisory Board (HAB)](#homeless-advisory-board-hab)
  - [Palm Beach County Traffic Engineering](#palm-beach-county-traffic-engineering)
  - [Dan Weisberg - 684 - 4530](#dan-weisberg-684-4530)
  - [Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)](#florida-department-of-transportation-fdot)
  - [Board of County Commissioners of Palm Beach County (BCC)](#board-of-county-commissioners-of-palm-beach-county-bcc)
- [Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO)](#palm-beach-county-sheriffs-office-pbso)
- [ASSESSMENT:](#assessment)
- [**EDUCATIONAL PICTORIAL SIGNAGE FOR INTERSECTIONS**](#educational-pictorial-signage-for-intersections)
  - [**There's a better way to help.**](#theres-a-better-way-to-help)
- [316.130 Pedestrians; Traffic Regulations-(5) No persons shall](#316130-pedestrians-traffic-regulations-5-no-persons-shall)
- [**DEBRIS LEFT BY PANHANDLERS**](#debris-left-by-panhandlers)
- [**PANHANDLER/HOMELESS CAMP**](#panhandlerhomeless-camp)
- [DEBRIS LEFT BY PANHANDLERS](#debris-left-by-panhandlers)
- [DEBRIS LEFT BY PANHANDLERS](#debris-left-by-panhandlers)
- [Purpose](#purpose)
- [Targeted Intersections](#targeted-intersections)
  - [Consensual Encounter](#consensual-encounter)
- [Sheriff's Message](#sheriffs-message)
  - [Florida State Statutes](#florida-state-statutes)
- [211 Cards](#211-cards)
  - [Database](#database)
- [Enter Data](#enter-data)
- [Example](#example)
  - [Panhanding: New Item](#panhanding-new-item)
  - [Check if 211 Card Given](#check-if-211-card-given)
- [Select Intersection](#select-intersection)
  - [Panhandling: New Item](#panhandling-new-item)
- [It's OK to say NO to panhandlers.](#its-ok-to-say-no-to-panhandlers)
- [IN PARTNERSHIP WITH](#in-partnership-with)
- [ACCIDENT STATISTICS](#accident-statistics)
- [PALM BEACH COUNTY STATISTICS](#palm-beach-county-statistics)
  - [2009 Intersection Accidents](#2009-intersection-accidents)
  - [Enforcement Issues](#enforcement-issues)
    - [316-39545-4144 PUBLIC ORDER CRISES-OBSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC STAERTS W/O PERMIT](#316-39545-4144-public-order-crises-obstruction-of-public-staerts-wo-permit)
    - [321-3916-6996 JOHNNOTING TRAFFIC VIOLATIVE USE OF STATEMENT OF WAY](#321-3916-6996-johnnoting-traffic-violative-use-of-statement-of-way)
- [Quality of Life Issues](#quality-of-life-issues)
- [Contributing Causes](#contributing-causes)
- [LAWS](#laws)
  - [Bat this....](#bat-this)
- [LAWS](#laws)
  - [316.20.15 Obstruction of public streets, highways, and roads](#3162015-obstruction-of-public-streets-highways-and-roads)
    - [316.20.15 Defendants' traffic regulations](#3162015-defendants-traffic-regulations)
- [RESPONSE ACTIONS](#response-actions)
  - [RESPONSE ACTIONS](#response-actions)
- [Our Message](#our-message)
  - [REENTRY SPECIFIC SERVICES](#reentry-specific-services)
    - [OFFENDER REENTRY SERVICES](#offender-reentry-services)
    - [EDUCATION](#education)
    - [EMPLOYMENT](#employment)
    - [HOMELESS/SHELTER](#homelessshelter)
  - [GENERAL SERVICES](#general-services)
    - [ALCOHOL & DRUG ABUSE](#alcohol-drug-abuse)
    - [CLINIC – MEDICAL](#clinic-medical)
    - [CLOTHING](#clothing)
    - [COUNSELING/MENTAL HEALTH](#counselingmental-health)
- [WARNING!](#warning)
  - [NOTRESPASSING PROHIBIDOLA ENTRADA](#notrespassing-prohibidola-entrada)
- [Shift the compassion](#shift-the-compassion)
  - [SYNDICATED COLUMNISTS](#syndicated-columnists)
- [Social service agencies seek spare change given to panhandlers  Money would be better spent by agencies that help the homeless, sheriff says  $\square$](#social-service-agencies-seek-spare-change-given-to-panhandlers-money-would-be-better-spent-by-agencies-that-help-the-homeless-sheriff-says-square)
  - [Stay on top of the news: Get breaking new alerts sent directly to your phone](#stay-on-top-of-the-news-get-breaking-new-alerts-sent-directly-to-your-phone)
- [South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com](#south-florida-sun-sentinelcom)
  - [Police, county reach out to homeless man who sets up camp in West Boca](#police-county-reach-out-to-homeless-man-who-sets-up-camp-in-west-boca)
  - [Advertisement](#advertisement)
- [PSA Distribution List](#psa-distribution-list)
- [Agency and Officer Information](#agency-and-officer-information)
  - [Ric Bradshaw](#ric-bradshaw)
  - [Sheriff](#sheriff)

# Table of Contents 

Summary ..... page 3 - 4
Description
Scanning ..... page 5
Analysis ..... page 6
Response. ..... pages 7 - 10
Assessment. ..... pages 11
Public Information Signage ..... page 12 - 13
Problem Photographs ..... page 14 - 19
Educational cards/Flyers ..... Page 20 - 21
Other miscellaneous
items. ..... pages 22 - 43
Power Point Slides
Appendices
Brochures
Signs
Flyers
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office
Panhandler Action Plan
Newspaper Articles
Public Service Announcement (attached)
Agency and Officer Information. ..... page 44

# Summary 

SCAN: In July of 2010, the Community Policing Liaison Unit (CPLU) was selected to address the long term existing panhandling problem at major intersections throughout Palm Beach County.

ANALYSIS: A surveillance of the major intersections was completed following the SARA Model. From this it was decided to identify those intersections which presented the highest number of panhandlers in conjunction with an elevated traffic crash percentage. A statistical comparison of major intersections which suffered from a high level of panhandling was conducted and the top five (5) intersections were selected for this problem solving project. With no County Ordinance to enforce other means were needed to combat this issue. Past enforcement efforts have centered on the citing for Florida State Statute violations and arrest. In 2009 a total of 459 enforcement actions had been taken with no positive dispositions form the court. What was addressable was the motorist donating money to the panhandler. Utilizing this information the motorist was targeted with a combination of enforcement and public education by a selected group of Community Policing Deputies, the Homeless Advisory Board, and various other governmental agencies.

RESPONSE: Tasked with this highly political issue, the CPLU developed a Community Policing philosophy holistic approach to this problem. A long term comprehensive solution was implemented. By partnering with NonGovernmental Agencies (NGO) and other regulatory governmental agencies, the CPLU was able to keep everyone involved and informed, ensuring success of this initiative. Much like a Community Policing site which becomes "anti-crime" in location, victim, and offender design, these locations will follow a similar format. It will become simply more difficult for illegal "business as usual" to occur, thus guaranteeing that the resources expended on this problem project, were not in vain. Designing and utilizing an educational and informational component to this action plan, signage was placed informing the public of alternative donation avenues. Informational flyers were distributed throughout the areas and businesses with information on donation alternatives. A panhandler database was created to track the number of times panhandlers were encountered and offered services. Social service agency cards were created to supply to the panhandlers to obtain services. All intersections were outfitted with informational and regulatory signage.

ASSESSMENT: A severe decrease in panhandler presence in and around the targeted intersections occurred. The percentage of traffic crashes at the targeted intersections decreased $10.5 \%$. Donations to the NGO increased through the use of the created new donation avenues, texting and internet options.

# DESCRIPTION 

SCANNING: The panhandling issue has been prevalent throughout the county for several years and has been exacerbated by the recent economic recession. Through casual observance, citizen complaints, and a call from the Board of County Commissioner's to address this issue, the Sheriff's Office took on this task.

Surveillance of intersections was completed and the panhandler problem was documented through video and still photography.

A review of calls for service at these locations was completed and the results confirmed a higher than average rate of Crashes, multiple car crashes, crashes involving pedestrians and crashes involving bicycles.

Previous attempts at addressing this problem were left to NGO's such as the Homeless Outreach Team and the Homeless Advisory Board. These agencies offer services but have no recourse should the panhandler refuse services. The Florida Department of Transportation, which regulates medians for State Roads, is a regulatory agency and will not engage in enforcement of any violation that occurs in the median.

Through surveillance it was observed that the vast majority of panhandlers occupy the median at the end adjacent to the stop bar at intersections with stop lights. All panhandlers observed used some type of signage advertising their plight, some ask for donations and some simply state "anything will help". The panhandlers leave the median and walk through stopped to collect money from motorists. Numerous times we observed traffic being infringed by the panhandler still being in the lanes of traffic after the stop light turns green and motorists stopping short impeding traffic in order to give money to the panhandler.

ANALYSIS: A review of the major intersections throughout the county identified numerous intersections that were known to have a severe panhandling problem. A statistical comparison of Traffic Crash incidents was conducted comparing these intersections with like traveled intersections which did not suffer the panhandling problem. This comparison revealed that intersections suffering from the panhandler problem experienced a Crash rate $44 \%$ higher than those intersections without the panhandling problem, and that pedestrian related Crash reports were eight (8) times, and bicycle related crashes five (5) times higher.

Throughout the year of 2009 the PBSO initiated 459 enforcement actions involving persons involved in panhandling. This number does not include nonenforcement actions. Of these actions the court system took no corrective or punitive actions against the defendants. From this outcome it was realized that a remedy to this problem could not be enforcement based.

No intersections are equipped with any signage that either prohibits panhandling or the use of the median for solicitation purposes. While there are governing Florida State Statutes the local States Attorney's Office has declined to prosecute for some of these violations.

The panhandling issue is prevalent during the daylight hours from approx. 0730 hours thru 1900 hours daily. Holidays are also big days for the panhandling population.

According to the 2000 census data Palm Beach County has approximately 1650 homeless persons that are potential panhandlers and an unknown number of panhandlers that are in fact not homeless but rather use this method of collecting money to sustain their life styles.

Ordinances and laws from over 30 different state, local, and national jurisdictions were researched. Current case law was referenced in the decision making of this approach to combat this issue.

Partnering with the HAB and NGO agencies that service this population and coming to a consensus on our approach and message would negate any negative press and show a unified front to the public that all agencies are working together on this problem.

# RESPONSE: 

PBSO Community Policing Liaison Unit - Cpl. Trombley
Coordinate PBSO responses and personnel assisting on this project; develop partners with NGO's, and liaison between governmental agencies.

Set and attend meetings to monitor progress of plan
Monthly COPA meeting - Trombley
Monthly updates through chain of Command - Trombley
Compile statistics and data related to plan - Trombley
Gather statistics through CADS on crash activity - Trombley
Conduct surveillance - Trombley
Surveillance in unmarked unit to obtain photographs and video
Create anti-panhandling signage - Trombley, M. Elfring
Designed two educational signs for placement at intersections
Get signs fabricated - PBSO graphic department - M Elfring
Get signs put up - PBC Traffic Engineering
Enlist media outlets for PSA
All three local cable stations - PIO Terri Barbera
All municipal cable television stations - Trombley
Collect still and video photography of problem
Document panhandling at target intersections - Trombley
Solicited business partners to assist in sign placement - Trombley
Local businesses displaying anti-panhandling signs
Park Avenue BBQ
Renegades

Duffy's Sports Bar - chain (pending)
Alehouse - Chain (pending)
Publix grocery Stores (pending)
Winn Dixie grocery Stores (pending)
Liaison with FDOT on sign placement
Mark Plass - FDOT supervisor
Liaison with Palm Beach County Traffic Engineering for sigh placement
Dan Weisberg - PBC Traffic Engineering
Create panhandler database for logging contacts
PBSO IS Department - John Young
Develop training power point for database for road patrol training
Created training power point for volunteer unit and road patrol Trombley

# Homeless Advisory Board (HAB) 

The COPA team of the HAB has partnered with PBSO on this project. As the lead agency in PBC in dealing with homeless issues the HAB acts as a liaison between PBSO and the social services of PBC.

Develop alternative donation method utilizing text messaging - M. Munoz
Develop alternative donation method utilizing internet - M. Munoz
Provide volunteers for events - E. Kreig
Conduct public education of project - E. Kreig
Hosted campaign kickoff in conjunction with their November End Homeless Week event

## Palm Beach County Traffic Engineering

## Dan Weisberg - 684 - 4530

Traffic studies - D. Weisberg
Sign applications - D. Weisberg
Sign placement and erection - D. Weisberg

## Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)

Mark Plass - 561.727.9825
FDOT is the regulatory agency for state road medians and rights of way and have partnered with PBSO on this project to erect educational sings at target intersections locations. FDOT has reviewed signs and made suggestions for newer different signs for state roads.

## Board of County Commissioners of Palm Beach County (BCC)

The BCC directed Sheriff Bradshaw to address the panhandler issue throughout the county. The BCC attended the kick off campaign and gave a speech relating to the panhandling issue. Commissioner Pricilla Taylor attended and lent her support to the project. The BCC has provided leadership and guidance in trouble areas to assure project success.

# Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) 

Road Patrol units participated in this project as an operational asset in this project making contact with the panhandler's, educating them as to the F.S.S. violations they were committing and offering them services via 211 by providing them with a 211 business card and an offer to contact 211 on their behalf.

Road units enter panhandler information into the Panhandler database, these numbers are used for the HAB to direct services to those in particular areas by giving them the size and depth of the problem at any given location.

PBSO Reserve units participated as an operational asset in this project by mirroring the road patrol functions.

PBSO Graphics Department assisted in logistical support by fabricating signs, printing flyer and poster materials. M. Elfring

The goals of this project is to reduce the number of Traffic Crashes at the target locations by $30 \%$, reduce the number of panhandlers by directing them to receive services, and to increase the amount of public donations to the HAB for services. Through these efforts it is believed that the Traffic Crash increase is directly tied to the panhandler presence at the intersections and will be reduced accordingly. Directing and assisting the homeless panhandler to receive services will not only benefit the service receiver but the community as a whole by removing the panhandler from the intersections.

This pilot will run from 010111 thru 063011. A statistical comparison will be conducted of reported Traffic Crashes at the conclusion of the pilot time period. Donations received for this time period will be compared to the same period of 2010 to determine whether or not there is an increase.

# ASSESSMENT: 

Problem Description:
$12 / 04 / 10$
Cpl. Trombley was tasked with fabricating signage for anti-panhandling project. Signs completed and t.o.t. PBC Traffic. FDOT rejects pictorial signs for median placement. Signs diverted to county roads at newly identified locations and new "No Soliciting" signs made for State Roads at targeted locations. Due to FDOT restrictions and delays in sign posting three of the five target locations did not receive the signage and the new text signs had to be ordered. New locations for the pictorial signs were chosen and erected in June of 2011.

An adjustment was made to the plan by keeping the pictorial signs to county roads and fabricating new text only signs for state road medians.

Traffic Crash statistic totals for comparisons are an extrapolated average for 2011 as compared to 2010 as there was not a full year of the project completed by the submission date. The 2010 Crash average was 9.6 crashes per month as compared to 8.6 crashes per month during the project period for 2011.

There have been a total of 42 panhandler contacts at 3 of the targeted locations where services have been offered to the panhandler.

Public response has been positive with requests for additional signage and enforcement in other areas of the county.

# **EDUCATIONAL PICTORIAL SIGNAGE FOR INTERSECTIONS**

![img-0.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-0.jpeg)

## **There's a better way to help.**

**Text IGAVE to 20222 to make a $5 donation**

**OR VISIT**

**TheHomelessPlan.org**

**Need help? Call 2-1-1.**

**\*Messaging and data rates may apply.**

![img-1.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-1.jpeg)

![img-2.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-2.jpeg)

![img-3.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-3.jpeg)

# 316.130 Pedestrians; Traffic Regulations-(5) No persons shall 

stand in the portion of the roadway paved for vehicular traffic for the purpose of soliciting a ride, employment, or business
from the occupant of any vehicle.

NONHANDICAPPED PANHANDLERS/HOMELESS
![img-4.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-4.jpeg)

PANHANDLER
![img-5.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-5.jpeg)

# **DEBRIS LEFT BY PANHANDLERS**

![img-6.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-6.jpeg)

# **PANHANDLER/HOMELESS CAMP**

![img-7.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-7.jpeg)

# DEBRIS LEFT BY PANHANDLERS

![img-8.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-8.jpeg)

# DEBRIS LEFT BY PANHANDLERS

![img-9.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-9.jpeg)

HOMELESS PANHANDLER
![img-10.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-10.jpeg)

PANHANDLER
![img-11.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-11.jpeg)

PANHANDLER
![img-12.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-12.jpeg)

PANHANDLER
![img-13.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-13.jpeg)

MEDIAN SIGNS FOR STATE ROADS
![img-14.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-14.jpeg)

MEDIAN SIGNS FOR STATE ROADS
![img-15.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-15.jpeg)

![img-16.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-16.jpeg)

211 Cards

Napkin Holder Flyer
![img-17.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-17.jpeg)

Smaller signs were made for display on restaurant and sports bar table tops
![img-18.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-18.jpeg)

![img-19.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-19.jpeg)

![img-20.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-20.jpeg)

# Purpose

The purpose of this campaign is to educate the public into redirecting their donations to those agencies that can actually effect positive change for the homeless people in our community and to educate the panhandlers and homeless of the other alternatives to obtaining assistance.

# Targeted Intersections 

- We have targeted five (5) intersections throughout the central county area to begin this project. They are:
- Okeechobee Road and North Military Trail
- Lake Worth Road and South Military Trail
- Lake Worth Road and South Congress Avenue
- $6^{\text {th }}$ Avenue South and South Congress Avenue
- Lantana Road and South Congress Avenue


## Consensual Encounter

- Unless a violation of the law is witnessed, any contact with persons in the median should be treated as a consensual encounter.
- If the person is holding a sign declaring their homelessness and requesting help they are not violating any law or ordinance.
- The courts have held that this is an expression of free speech and is a constitutionally protected right.
- Standing, sitting, or walking in the roadway is violation of P.S.S.
- Soliciting rides, employment, or business is also a violation of P.S.S.

# Sheriff's Message 

* Sheriff Bradshaw has stated, "We cannot arrest ourselves out of this problem, other measures need to be employed."
* This education and service based project is at the direction of the Sheriff as an alternative to arrest
* In 2009 there were 459 enforcement actions taken against panhandlers with no court sanctions imposed
* "This office (States Attorney's Office) will not prosecute cases in which defendants are arrested or cited for panhandling under the current version of
* Accordingly, based on this SAO opinion, do not make any further arrests under this statute. This does not preclude using this statute for a legal stop.


## Florida State Statutes

* Reasons for legal contact and detention
* Standing in the roadway
(Section 316.130, F5)
No person shall stand in the portion of a roadway paved for vehicular traffic for the purpose of soliciting a ride, employment, or business from the occupant of any vehicle
* Pedestrian use of streets and highways
(Sections 316.130(3), (6), and (16))
Where sidewalks are provided, no pedestrian shall, unless required by other circumstances, walk along and upon the portion of a roadway paved for vehicular traffic.

# 211 Cards 

All Deputies should have 2-1-1 information cards to provide to the panhandler or homeless person. These can be obtained from your districts. Also under the Community Policing header on the Portal Page is a list of 2-1-1 services, with phone numbers, and a listing of all food bank and soup kitchen locations broken down by geographic area. Our goal is to provide the homeless person or panhandler with alternatives to meet their most basic need of food and shelter so that they can then get the assistance to become self-rollant. We understand that you will encounter the same people over and over, it is important to track how many contacts we have with each individual and at what locations they are frequenting so that we can deploy other services to these areas.

## Database

- Deputies are requested to make contact with panhandlers, vendors, or solicitors located in these intersections and educate them that this type of action is not tolerated in Palm Beach County. The intersections will be posted with various signs warning against these practices. Anyone contacted should have their name entered into the Panhandling Charting Table located on the Portal Page under the Community Policing header. This chart requires only name, DOB, and location of contact. This also allows for, but not required, the uploading of photographs of the person to the chart. The photo can be of the person or of them engaging in panhandling.
- An FIR should be completed, citing reason of stop, and turned in with daily paperwork.

![img-21.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-21.jpeg)

# Enter Data 

![img-22.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-22.jpeg)

# Example

## Panhanding: New Item

|  Attach File > Spelling | OK | Cancel  |
| --- | --- | --- |
|  Last Name |  | * indicates a required field  |
|  First Name |  |   |
|  Date of Birth |  | 12/25/2010  |
|  Date of Contact |  | 12/25/2010  |
|  211 Info |  |   |
|  Count * |  | 1  |
|  Intersection |  | 6th Avenue / Congress  |

## Check if 211 Card Given

- ☐ Yes (cont'd also: unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ Partially New Item
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ Partially New Item
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card
- ☐ New (cont'd also: Unplanned) (rewards/due-down) (rewards/removal/rewards/delivery) and (rewards/due-down, etc.) *Source: 211 Card


# Select Intersection

## Panhandling: New Item

|  |   |
| --- | --- |
|  Attach File > Spelling | OK > Cancel  |
|  Last Name |   |
|  First Name |   |
|  Date of Birth |   |
|  Date of Contact | 12/28/2010  |
|  211 Info | ☑  |
|  Count * | Check if info given.  |
|  Intersection | (None)  |
|   | OK > Cancel  |

![img-23.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-23.jpeg)

![img-24.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-24.jpeg)

# It's OK to say NO to panhandlers.

There's a better way to help.

Text IGAVE to 20222 to make a $5 donation

OR VISIT

TheHomelessPlan.org

Need help?

Call 2-1-1.

Messaging and data rates may apply.

![img-25.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-25.jpeg)

# IN PARTNERSHIP WITH 

Palm Beach County
The Homeless Advisory Board
![img-26.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-26.jpeg)

![img-27.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-27.jpeg)

# ACCIDENT STATISTICS 

Intersections with panhandling problems as compared to similar intersections with little to no panhandling activity.
![img-28.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-28.jpeg)

# PALM BEACH COUNTY STATISTICS

## 2009 Intersection Accidents

|  Data Source: Palm Beach County Traffic Division | Accident Total Count | Pedestrian Count | Bicycle Count | Vehicle Count  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  Location Without Frequent Penhending / Soliciting |  |  |  |   |
|  Mealeuca & Jog Rd | 27 | 0 | 1 | 66  |
|  Okeechobee / Pike | 46 | 0 | 0 | 82  |
|  Lantana / Jog | 78 | 0 | 1 | 146  |
|  Lantana / Military | 69 | 0 | 1 | 146  |
|  Hyponzo / Military | 64 | 0 | 0 | 129  |
|  **Total** | **277** | **0** | **2** | **682**  |

|  Location With Frequent Penhending / Soliciting | Accident Total Count | Pedestrian Count | Bicycle Count | Vehicle Count  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  6th Avenue & 5 Congress Ave | 58 | 1 | 1 | 125  |
|  Lake Worth Rd / Congress Ave | 58 | 0 | 0 | 125  |
|  Lake Worth Rd / Military Trail | 100 | 0 | 3 | 200  |
|  Okeechobee / Military Trail | 120 | 4 | 4 | 237  |
|  Lantana / Congress | 63 | 0 | 1 | 130  |
|  **Total** | **289** | **6** | **9** | **512**  |

## Enforcement Issues

### 316-39545-4144 PUBLIC ORDER CRISES-OBSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC STAERTS W/O PERMIT

|  **BOLD (BURRY) CASH (PROPERTY)** | 1  |
| --- | --- |
|  **CASH (CASH)** | 1  |
|  **SOLTILE** | 1  |
|  **BALLETIOSHIP** | 2  |
|  **CIVIL BROCHTIGANCE** | 27  |
|  **TURE (MAYED)** | 83  |

### 321-3916-6996 JOHNNOTING TRAFFIC VIOLATIVE USE OF STATEMENT OF WAY

|  **CASE DISSEMBLY** | 1  |
| --- | --- |
|  **CORRITATIONAL RELEASE** | 1  |
|  **NO FILE** | 2  |
|  **BALLETIOSHIP** | 1  |
|  **CIVIL BROCHTIGANCE** | 24  |
|  **TURE (MAYED)** | 96  |

**Total page 144715 File 1 (see PDF) Com蛙8001 200 10 Addition - Workforce Community Service Center - 200 (unknown breakdowns) TOTAL = 321 3916-6996

# Quality of Life Issues

Panhandlers are often homeless and loiter on public use facilities, rendering them inaccessible to the general public

![img-29.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-29.jpeg)

# Contributing Causes

Good people with the best intentions give spare change to panhandlers. This money is often used to buy drugs and alcohol, furthering the cycle of homelessness and addiction

![img-30.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-30.jpeg)

# LAWS 

I a be soldlars. People who don military sealarve to collect donations from the yurkes, would win out military of fory misreactions, in no one disdour their identity and where the solicital money will go. Should they manoeuvre themselves as members of any U.S. military branchby uniformor statement, they could be convicted of a third-degree felony.
![img-31.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-31.jpeg)

## Bat this....

![img-32.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-32.jpeg)

Hello!
I am collectingdonations for a militaryor veterane cause of unspecified origin. I have no paperwork or documentationaffiliating me with a legitimate Veterans or Militaryorganization.

# LAWS

## 316.20.15 Obstruction of public streets, highways, and roads

The State concludes that enough maintenance is the only available part of a modern country to diagnose the changes in this matter. Further, this office will not prosecute cases in which defendants are arrested or cited for punishments under the current version of 172.10.15, (d)2017. Accordingly, based on this 8.10 opinion, do not make any further arrests under this statute.

### 316.20.15 Defendants' traffic regulations

To the person shall stand in the position of a business agent for which the traffic for the purpose of soliciting a ride, employment, or business from the occupant of any vehicle.

In 2000, 2800 traffic regulations were adopted to guide this issue. We count concluded all cases with no punishment imposed. Cases were closed in time served, radio probe or no filed.

At a cost of $1.33 per day per minute, the action cost is $60,861,247. In our revenue, costs plus total depreciation of 30 minutes per case for a total cost of $6,882, with no positive return.

![img-33.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-33.jpeg)

# RESPONSE ACTIONS 

Signage at target intersections
![img-34.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-34.jpeg)

Public Service Announcement:
All County and Municipal E.v. stations
Major local cable stations

Educational posters in store windows

Texting and Web page options for donating

## RESPONSE ACTIONS

- Hand out 211 cards for homeless
- Hand out food bank and soup kitchen cards with locations
- Flyers for partnering businesses
- Moving panhandlers off medians with warning, FIR, or citation but only after warning
- Bus shelter signage, FIR, and enter into Business Partnership
- Program database. All shelters are entered
- Posting of bus shelters with stenciled No Trespassing

# Our Message

Educate the public to donate to agencies that offer assistance to the homeless not to panhandlers.

That panhandling is no longer tolerated by our agency or the community.

To assist those in need to get the help they require.

Our willingness to partner with the community to solve problems and quality of life issues that affect everyone equally.

![img-35.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-35.jpeg)

![img-36.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-36.jpeg)

*www.211palmbeach.org* *Reentry Quick Reference Guide*

*Get Connected. Get Answers.* *www.211palmbeach.org*

*For crisis intervention, information, assessment & referral to community services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.*

## REENTRY SPECIFIC SERVICES

### OFFENDER REENTRY SERVICES

|  Event | Date | Description  |
| --- | --- | --- |
|  Exodus Prison Reentry Ministry Program | (561) 249-1057 |   |
|  Florida Community Alliance (Youth) | (561) 904-6514 |   |
|  Gulfstream Goodwill Comm. Re-Entry Program | (561) 848-7200 |   |
|  Knowledge Is Power | (561) 249-1023 |   |
|  Office of Public Defender – Project REAP Success | (561) 355-7603 |   |
|  Prison Fellowship | www.prisonfellowship.org |   |
|  Riviera Beach Justice Service Center | (561) 840-3124 |   |
|  The Lord's Place | (561) 494-0125 |   |
|  Veterans Reentry and Healthcare | (561) 422-8223 |   |

### EDUCATION

|  Event | Date | Description  |
| --- | --- | --- |
|  Adult Education Center | (561) 616-7800 |   |
|  Glades Family Education Program (GED) | (561) 992-8068 |   |
|  Inlet Grove High School | (561) 881-4600 |   |
|  Lincoln College of Technology | (561) 842-2433 |   |
|  Literacy Coalition of PB County Hotline | (800) 273-1030 |   |
|  Palm Beach State College | (561) 868-3350 |   |
|  South Technical Academy | (561) 369-7004 |   |

### EMPLOYMENT

|  Event | Date | Description  |
| --- | --- | --- |
|  Florida DOE Vocational Rehab (West Palm Beach) | (561) 650-6804 |   |
|  Workforce Alliance Central Career Center (WPB) | (800) 556-5627 |   |

### HOMELESS/SHELTER

|  Event | Date | Description  |
| --- | --- | --- |
|  Center of Hope | (561) 682-1118 |   |
|  Homeless Residential Assessment Program (CARP) | (561) 844-6400 |   |
|  Jesus and You Outreach Ministries | (561) 842-4276 |   |
|  Matthew 25 Ministries Miracle Village | (561) 432-9072 |   |
|  Partners for Change | (561) 478-5852 |   |
|  Safelink (free cell phone and airtime) | (800) 977-3768 |   |
|  St. Ann Place | (561) 805-7708 |   |
|  The Lord's Place | (561) 494-0125 |   |

## GENERAL SERVICES

### ALCOHOL & DRUG ABUSE

|  Event | Date | Description  |
| --- | --- | --- |
|  AA Palm Beach County Intergroup | (561) 655-5700 |   |
|  Central Florida Treatment Center | (561) 439-8440 |   |
|  Comprehensive Alcoholism Rehab Programs | (561) 844-6400 |   |
|  Drug Abuse Foundation of Palm Beach County | (561) 278-0000 |   |
|  Drug Abuse Treatment Association (Youth) | (561) 743-1034 |   |
|  Hanley Center (Fee-Based) | (866) 442-6539 |   |
|  Palm Beach County CoDA Intergroup | (888) 444-2359 |   |
|  West Palm Beach Metro Treatment Center | (561) 433-5687 |   |

### CLINIC – MEDICAL

|  Event | Date | Description  |
| --- | --- | --- |
|  Caridad Center, Inc. | (561) 737-6336 |   |
|  Community Health Center of West Palm Beach | (561) 840-8681 |   |
|  FoundCare Health Center | (561) 432-5849 |   |
|  Palm Beach County Health Department | (561) 840-4500 |   |

### CLOTHING

|  Event | Date | Description  |
| --- | --- | --- |
|  Families That Care | (561) 845-5162 |   |
|  Salvation Army Social Services WPB | (561) 686-3530 |   |
|  St. John's First Missionary Baptist | (561) 996-1474 |   |
|  True Past Outreach Ministry | (561) 856-6273 |   |

### COUNSELING/MENTAL HEALTH

|  Event | Date | Description  |
| --- | --- | --- |
|  Alpert Jewish Family & Children's Service | (561) 684-1991 |   |
|  AMIGOS Drop-In Center | (561) 582-7424 |   |
|  Association for Community Counseling | (561) 638-0908 |   |
|  Catholic Charities, Diocese of Palm Beach | (561) 254-6558 |   |
|  Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County | (800) 404-7960 |   |
|  Center for Group Counseling | (561) 483-5300 |   |
|  Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance | (561) 427-0840 |   |
|  Depressive/Manic-Depr. Assoc. of the P. Beaches | (561) 495-0522 |   |
|  Glades Crisis Stabilization Unit | (561) 993-8022 |   |
|  Multicultural Community Mental Health Center | (561) 653-6292 |   |
|  National Alliance on Mental Illness of PBC | (561) 588-3477 |   |
|  Oakwood Center of the Palm Beaches, Inc. | (561) 383-8000 |   |
|  Peer Place Drop-In Center (Mental Health Assoc.) | (561) 712-0584 |   |
|  Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service | (561) 852-3333 |   |
|  South County Mental Health | (561) 737-8400 |   |

![img-37.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-37.jpeg)

![img-38.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-38.jpeg)

![img-39.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-39.jpeg)

*(Continued on back of page)*

# WARNING! 

## NOTRESPASSING PROHIBIDOLA ENTRADA

PALM BEACH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE F.S.S. 810.09

# Shift the compassion 

## SYNDICATED COLUMNISTS

Think of it this way. When you stop at a busy intersection and see the sign "Will work for food," you can display one that says: "Have donated to a better cause."

That's the idea behind Palm Beach County's new anti-panhandling campaign, which begins today with public service announcements that will run through March and is part of the wider effort to end homelessness. Organizers want residents not to give money to panhandlers who position themselves at high-traffic areas but to donate that money, and preferably more, to the Homeless Advisory Board to help the county finance the 10-year program that was approved in September 2008. (To learn more about the program, visit www.TheHomelessPlan.org.)

The hope is that by the fall of 2018, Palm Beach County will have facilities in West Palm Beach, south county and the Glades, and a food delivery system. The West Palm Beach building has been purchased, and is scheduled to open next October. Claudia Tuck, the county's director of human services, estimates that the cost of the whole operation would be about $\$ 30$ million a year.

There's no way to tell how much goes from wallet through car window to outstretched hand each month, but the pitch to the non-homeless is that these facilities can deal with root problems rather than provide a quick dollar or two. Palm Beach County discussed a ban on panhandlers, but there were two problems. As Sheriff Ric Bradshaw says, "You can't arrest your way out of this." Also, the politically powerful firefighters want to keep soliciting at intersections.

Brent Ion, a member of the Homeless Advisory Board, gets to the larger point when he says: "You can't change a life at an intersection. We'd like people to direct those dollars to other resources."

Critics have complained that such programs are just a way to get the homeless out of sight. Our response would be that if you keep seeing them at the same intersection, their lives aren't getting any better.

- Randy Schultz,
for The Palm Beach Post Editorial Board

# Social service agencies seek spare change given to panhandlers  Money would be better spent by agencies that help the homeless, sheriff says  $\square$ 

WEST PALM BEACH —

The Palm Beach County Homeless Advisory Board and the Sheriff's Office are launching a campaign next week to discourage people from giving spare change to the homeless.

The kick-off coincides with 'National Ending Hunger and Homelessness Week' that runs Nov. 14-20.

A three-month 'media blitz' will recruit local television and radio stations to play 30-second public service announcements featuring Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw assuring well-meaning motorists that "It's OK to say NO to Panhandlers."

## Stay on top of the news: Get breaking new alerts sent directly to your phone

New street signs, also paid for with money from the criminal forfeiture fund, will pop up around intersections where panhandling is most prevalent and where accident rates were 29 percent higher than intersections where there were no panhandlers, according to the Palm Beach County Traffic Division's 2009 statistics.

Sheriff Bradshaw says the spare change would be better spent by agencies and organizations that help the homeless.
"We know that we can't arrest our way out of this situation because all the people we take off the street corners are merely passing through the system and are back out on the street and they're not getting the help that they need," Sheriff Bradshaw said.

Rather than arrest panhandlers, deputies will be handing them business cards informing them where they can get food, shelter and whatever treatment they need to re-enter mainstream society.
"Panhandling will only end when it's no longer economically viable," Sheriff's Office Cpl. Barry Trombley said.

If drivers just can't resist the impulse to give, the Homeless Advisory Board is urging them to make a $\$ 5$ donation through TheHomelessPlan.org by texting IGAVE to 20222, according to Board member Ezra Krieg.
"That money will be distributed to agencies that are truly helping people in need in the community," Krieg said.

Palm Beach County Commissioner Priscilla Taylor chairs the Homeless Advisory Board and says more and more middle-income families are joining the ranks of the homeless.
"The public often perceives the panhandler to be the face of the homeless in Palm Beach County which, as we all know, is not the case," Taylor said.

# South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com 

## Police, county reach out to homeless man who sets up camp in West Boca

Marci Shatzman mshatzman@tribune.com
February 23, 2011

## Advertisement

Although he's been living on the streets for at least six months, Filipe Chico, 72, looks neat and clean, like somebody's white-haired grandfather in a T-shirt and chinos.

He greets visitors warmly at his encampment on U.S. Highway 441, across from the Shoppes at Boca Greens just north of Kimberly Road. Although he moves around West Boca - last week he was on Glades Road at 95th Avenue South behind the Glades Road Branch Library - he makes no effort to hide. An 8-foot totem pole made of orange and white buckets marks his location behind a palm tree.
"That's so someone can find me if they want to offer me a job," he explained.
Chico is sitting on the ground by a folded cot with a clean mattress, and a shopping cart with a large umbrella and coat on top of neatly arranged bags with his other belongings.
"I don't feel good today," he said in Spanish. "My chest hurts."
He was born in Pennsylvania in 1939 and worked the fields, he said. He wasn't up to explaining how he ended up here on the streets, or why he has refused all efforts to help him by concerned law enforcement and the county's homeless outreach. As public complaints about him mount, there's little government can do without his permission.

In fact, Chico is only one of 2,147 people living on the streets in Palm Beach County, according to last year's homeless count, said Claudia Tuck, director of Human Services. "There's a difference between the voluntary homeless who choose that lifestyle," and people who lose their housing, she said. "There's a high degree of substance abuse" among the voluntary homeless. But no one interviewed thinks Chico is using, and Tuck said the county does have services for him, but he continues to refuse them.

# PSA Distribution List 

| Channel 20 - County | $355-4573$ | Lester Williams |
| :-- | :-- | :-- |
| Channel 18 - West Palm Beach | $822-1864$ | Derek Morrow |
| Channel 20 - Boca Raton | $393-7901$ | Mark Witson |
| Channel 95 - Boynton Beach | $742-6000$ | Wayne Siegal |
| Channel 18 - Jupiter | $746-5134$ | Kate Moreto |
| Channel 18 - Wellington | $741-4000$ | Steve Gilbert |
| Channel 18 - Royal Palm Beach | $904-8241$ | Diane Smith |

The Public Service Announcement was aired for a 90 day period on all local cable channels throughout Palm Beach County and on the above listed local and municipal government television channels.

# Agency and Officer Information 

## Ric Bradshaw

## Sheriff

Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office
3228 Gun Club Road
West Palm Beach, Florida 33406-3001
1-561-688-3000
bradshawr@pbso.org

Major Dan Smith: Countywide Operations
Captain Jeffrey Lindskoog: Community Services
Lt. David Dameron: Community Services
Sgt. George Searing: Community Services
Cpl. Barry Trombley: Community Policing Liaison

![img-40.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-40.jpeg)

Fig. 1.1.1.1

![img-41.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-41.jpeg)
![img-42.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-42.jpeg)
![img-43.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-43.jpeg)

![img-44.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/11-46/img-44.jpeg)