Since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2015 that holding a sign asking for money is free speech (so the city can’t require panhandlers to register) police have become largely powerless to handle complaints about people begging for money if they don’t cross a line such as impeding traffic or harassing people.
RELATED: With no law, panhandlers hit streets in force
The 1,432 complaints since the beginning of 2016 resulted in only 53 arrests, according to an analysis of regional dispatch data. Eleven of these were at the intersection of South Jefferson Street and U.S. 35.
Dayton and Montgomery County officials are calling on the public to stop donating money to panhandlers on the street and instead direct their generosity to the Real Change Dayton campaign, which will fund services to help them get off the street.
RELATED: 6 things Dayton is doing to address the explosion of panhandlers — and how you can help
Two intersections with more than 100 complaints each were Smithville Avenue and U.S. 35, and Keowee Street near U.S. 35.
The map below shows the locations where people have called with the most complaints about panhandling.
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