Q: There has been a dramatic decrease of panhandlers in the area along Spring Street, between North Avenue and the loop ramp to I-75/85 Southbound. I’ve worked in this area for six years, and I commend the Atlanta Police Department for its actions. Is this something going on all over Atlanta, or just in select locations?
—Scott MacLean, Forest Park
A: There could be several reasons in the decrease of panhandlers in that area and throughout Atlanta. Statistics weren't immediately available, but John Chafee, a spokesman with the Atlanta Police Department, said factors affecting panhandling often include weather changes, traffic flow and the generosity of drivers.
“As it gets hotter, (panhandlers) might not want to be outside as much,” he told Q&A on the News. An area might have “dried up,” meaning motorists and pedestrians are no longer giving money, forcing panhandlers to “move to another spot.” “Our officers do monitor this situation and take enforcement action, but we have not increased our enforcement on this recently,” he wrote in an email.
Atlanta passed a stricter panhandling law in October 2012, against what was described as “aggressive panhandling.” It outlawed soliciting within 15 feet of a building entrance or exit and someone standing in line to enter a building. It’s also illegal to beg for money within 15 feet of ATM machines and parking lot pay boxes and to touch someone while soliciting. The new law also added community service for first-time convictions and jail time for repeat offenses.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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