Aggressive Panhandling In Colorado Springs

By: Mireya Garcia

m.garcia@krdo.com

COLORADO SPRINGS- The camps are gone are gone, but the homeless population remains.

Now, what some are calling aggressive panhandling, have the community on edge.

One viewer posted this note on the NEWSCHANNEL13 Facebook:

Katelind Detwiler – I go to ppcc downtown and every time I walk around people beg me for money. I even get asked when I walk from the school to the garage. Isn’t there something that can be done.I have to carry pepper spray with me now.

Gladys Glaser went shopping with her mother downtown, she says, “It’s more than usual, I believe. Especially dads holding signs saying I got laid off, I have three kids, and no income.”

Panhandling may be present in the springs, but some community members don’t see it as a major problem. “No I don’t (think it’s a problem),”says Catherine Taylor, “it’s probably because I have my kids with me, and I’m happy they leave me alone when I have my children with me.”

It is not against the law to ask for money, but police say you shouldn’t feel like your safety is on the line. “If you decline, that should be the end of the interaction. If they persist or become aggressive call us and we’ll take action,” Lt. David Whitlock of CSPD tells NEWSCHANNEL13.

If you want to report an aggressive panhandler you can contact Springs Police at 719-444-7000.