Police check on street corner panhandlers

When you see people outside holding signs and asking for help, how do you know they’re legitimate?

We’ve learned the Homeless Outreach Team of the Colorado Springs Police Department tries to answer that question as part of its regular patrols of homeless gathering places.

Police said they often approach panhandlers to ask if they really need food, shelter or other help — or if they just want money for cigarettes, alcohol or other purposes.

If the request for help is genuine, police try to connect panhandlers with appropriate resources.

“I’d say maybe 30 percent actually accept help or try to get off the street,” said Officer Brett Iverson. “A lot of them aren’t honest with us. They’re on the street because they’re making money.”

Iverson said the situation is an example of why people should donate to charities which help the homeless, instead of to panhandlers.

“By giving money to panhandlers we’re encouraging their behavior,” he said.

Iverson and fellow Officer Chris Kelly visited a group of three panhandlers Tuesday at the intersection of Wahsatch Avenue and Costilla Street. The group also had two dogs.

“They said they clear between $30 and $100 a day,” Iverson said. “They use the money to buy marijuana, see movies, play laser tag and go out to eat. They already have food and shelter. They’re basically looking for spending money while they travel.”

Several people expressed mixed feelings about panhandlers.

“I give once in a while,” said Kent Clawley. “But not as much any more because there’s so many of them.”

Bill Neal said his gut instinct helps him decide which panhandlers are honest and need help.

“I’m offended when somebody holds up a sign that says Jesus was homeless and sees (me) ignoring (panhandlers),” Neal said. When I leave, the panhandler screams that he’ll see me rot in Hell. I don’t think so.”

Police say they don’t hassle panhandlers but offer them help and ensure they’re not bothering anyone while asking for money.