How to deal with panhandlers

[subfan1]

On one occasion I was pumping gas in the car and when I returned from the store a guy asked me how I paid for the gas, I said cash, immediately he asked if he could have the change? Lesson learned, I never say cash anymore

[Jstsal69]

Originally Posted by triumphleroy

I have found that an .357 S&W Combat Commando in the front seat works very well ! If you put it in their face they leave in a hurry!

I would advise against this method. In South Carolina you would be arrested for pointing and presenting. Some states you may not even be able to carry a firearm in your vehicle, so educate yourself prior to carrying. I would suggest that you always keep your cellphone charged and on you at all times you when outside your rig. Also while keeping your distance, confront the panhandlers immediately with “I can’t help you” and if they persist call 911. If you feel too uncomfortable then the stop isn’t worth it and getting in your rig and moving down the road would be best...and while driving away notify 911 of suspicious activity at that location. I am a Cop in South Carolina and feel that using your brain is a lot more effective than a firearm. Be smart out there on the road.

[3wd67rg]

I watch and I listen to them, and wait on God’s prompt. Sometimes He moves me to help, just as often He does not. I usually give food or a gift card for a fast food place, and an address or phone number of an agency who will help them. Sometimes I have given jackets or blankets. Some agencies print cards that are a free meal ticket. The meal is usually free anyway, but the ticket is a way for the homeless to become aware of all of their other services.

If I am asked for money it’s a moot point, I don’t carry cash, and I explain that.

For myself, God’s prompt is necessary because there are people who need to hit bottom before they seek help. I know, I was one of those, my bottom was different, everyone’ bottom is. It’s just that if God is working on reaching this person I don’t want to interfere.

But this is my own belief and my own way, I don’t expect anyone to believe or follow my example. The two most important things I do is to remember that they are as human and fallible as myself and every human born back to the beginning of time up to now, AND, as such I work hard at not judging them. I am not in anyway perfect at this, it’s how anyone who has struggled to pull themselves up through adversity and quit drugs are bound to be the biggest assholes. I have a history that most people commit suicide over, and on March 15th, 25 years clean. I can be a real bitch sometimes; not being judgmental is a 24/7 work for me.

They are or were somebody’s child. I remember that when I see them.

[Boxite]

If you are one of those who give money or gas or anything to a panhandler... YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM.

If you pull out a gun for display or threat.... YOU ARE committing a CRIMINAL ACT and should expect to be arrested/charged if you survive the ordeal. The only time one should pull out a weapon is because it is needed for USE....IE,..you are in fear for your life from a real or perceived threat....and plan to pull the trigger. NEVER for a threat or for display. It makes no difference in what state/province you are.... rude display is a crime in all of them.

The ONLY thing I ever give to a panhandler on a street corner is a bottle of water. I keep several in my door side-pocket for the purpose at traffic lights, and it's how I get that "feel good" feeling on hot days.

When I'm feeling threatened outside my car by a panhandler, I tell them "I'm a sheriff-dispatcher and I'll call an officer to assist you."
Practice saying that several times so it comes out freely and convincingly on a moments notice. It always has provided me the desired response.

(And if anyone ever sees me pull out my handgun the thing they will notice is it's muzzle-flash. I won't pull a gun on anyone until it's necessary to fire it. A gun should never be displayed to affect the behavior of others.)

[Countryboy59]

Geez...

I wouldn’t want to tell some of you guys you have a brake light out. Jumpy much?

[streaminwild]

They are or were somebody's child. Yes PammieSue. When I lived in Los Angeles it was hard watching the old bag ladies, and thinking to myself...thats someones mother. You can tell someone is desperate...if you see them eating worms off the sidewalk after a rain, their hair is matted, they smell disgusting, and their clothes would stand up, if they ever took them off. If you ever look into their eyes, you can see the pain. Sorry for easing their pain...and given the chance... I do it again.

[mikeinca]

I have, on occasion, dropped a bill in someone's guitar case or a buck in the basket of a person who is disabled or looks particularly down on their luck and is minding their own business. If approached by a panhandler asking for money, I just say "sorry" and go about my business. IMHO, becoming aggressive or brandishing a firearm is a really poor approach, especially as an initial response.

[McDave]

I don't agree that if you give gas or money to a panhandler, you are part of the problem. People have a right to ask you for money if they want to, even if they already have a new BMW. You have a right to tell them “no,” and should not have to lie to them or anybody else about why you don't want to give them anything, to avoid being hassled about it. Even in San Francisco, with a beggar on every corner, I have almost never been hassled about not giving to them. Typically, a “sorry” brings the response “God bless you” (or some such). I'm not sure if they mean “God bless you” anymore than I mean “sorry,” but it is a polite way to handle the exchange. When you are a part of the problem is when you are intimidated into giving money to an aggressive panhandler. There is a difference between an aggressive panhandler and a criminal. You can refuse to be intimidated by an aggressive panhandler by simply refusing to give him money and walking or driving away. If a criminal tries to steal or rob your money or your possessions, then you have a different problem, where you might have to weigh your money or possessions against your life or the legal problems you would face if you resist in illegal ways.

[CAV]

When I get out of truck, I hit lock button so no one can get in other doors.
Yes they make hundreds thousands tax free by begging. Get old clothes at Goodwill or Mission. I’ve seen the same guy, same sign, same corner for years!
I tell them I give through my church!

[erudolph]

I’m a veteran and a Detective who has investigated a recent homicide by Portland Oregon travelers who were super aggressive, then killed a guy. We stand out with our rigs as money. Don’t be a soft target. Get on your cell phone, act distracted and say you don’t have cash. If this does not work, get in your car and lock the doors. You can always drive away with the nozzle in your rig. Family first! Call the local cops. They are looking for tweekers and an excuse to kick them out of their jurisdiction. I am not opposed to having a gun, in a safe place. I wouldn’t travel without one. But I wouldn’t be the one to let them know it was on me until I had to use it. The highway is full of dangerous people. I support safe defense of your family...

[Manning G]

Personally, my ex-wives are scarier and more dangerous than any panhandler.

[Ronman]

Offer $5 if they spend the next 20 minutes discussing God and His influence on their life. They either take the time with interest or they leave. Either way, you win.

[Lara Me]

Originally Posted by Hittenstiehl

Confident educated concealed carriers would never stick their weapons in anyone's face much less just for asking for a handout.

Agree wholeheartedly. A weapons permit is a privilege. The permit is not the an excuse to carry a weapon but rather the responsibility, training, and common sense to know the very limited circumstances when to use it in defense of life. Honestly, if you’re using it as a warning against beggars, you don’t deserve to carry.

[WayneG]

After all of these stories, I am getting paranoid to travel where you all travel!

I have never seen a beggar in gas stations I have been to , maybe I am lucky or maybe I look like a poor mark?

I do have a problem with beggars in one spot in my area, and I am baffled why the cops dont stop it.

We have an off ramp from a Interstate city loop that dumps to a stop light at at T intersection. Almost every day there is someone there begging for handouts. Not always the same person, but it is almost always the same sign they are holding. They must work shifts?

It is a long light cycle so they work the line when traffic is stopped. I know their scam and I ignore them and just wait for the light to change.

What I cant ignore are the suckers that stop, fumble for money to hand over. When they do this the traffic sensors see no movement so our green light gets a short cycle, leaving us another 5 min of joy with the bum staring in our windows.

If you dont want bears in your campsite, dont feed em, same things for beggars!

[xrvr]

Many beggars here. Countyordinance to prevent this is uninforceable due to bleeding heart lawyers and orginizations. Threats of lawsuits!

[openroad118]

Post your pictures so we can all see what a sucker doesn't look like

[Lily&Me]

Originally Posted by Boxite

If you are one of those who give money or gas or anything to a panhandler... YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM.

This is true.

If panhandling didn’t work, panhandlers wouldn’t do it...it’s as simple as that, a basic principal of human behavior.

There are shelters, and places in any community large enough to support panhandlers where one can get free meals, essentials, vouchers for emergency needs, etc.

Support these providers, as they provide a vital service and start with providing screening and case management to recipients...tho meals are given without question to anyone who is hungry.

Begging for money is a choice, and if money weren’t given there would be no incentive to continue.

Period.

Maggie

[xrvr]

Make it illegal to give to beggers and all this will stop. Inmost situations there is help for tbese people if they want it..

[Aerowood]

last December I flew up to Abbotsford BC to oversee the completion of some modifications to our C-130 and bring it home. As the flight up was delayed I got into Abbotsford late. There is a Boston Pizza just up the road from the hotel and I just walked up there to get a pizza and beer for dinner. I sat by myself in the center of the room and was finishing my pizza and a cold mug of Molson Canadian when a guy began pestering me for the rest of my dinner and money. I looked up at him and jestered with by hands and saying "shoo go away", well this really set the guy off and he became quit loud saying "don't shoo me away, I'll kick your ass", to which I responded by saying that he could try but it would not go well for him, I'm still setting in the booth. At this time the waitress told him that she had called the police and he made a hasty retreat. Two of Abbotsford's finest showed up in a remarkably short time at which they took statements from all. I decided that my dinner was now done and asked for my bill and was informed by the manager that my dinner was on the house, I declined her offer and paid my bill and left a very large tip to my young waitress, as she was quite rattled by the whole affair. As I was leaving one of the officers said he would escort me to my car, I informed him that I had walked from the hotel. The officers informed me that they would take me back to the hotel and would not take "No I can walk back myself" response. The officers seemed to know the individual and knew he hung out in the area. As I was in the back seat I gave them my condolences for one their recently fallen officers who had lost his life in the line of duty and the were grateful to me that I knew and offered their thanks. They dropped me off in front of my hotel at which time I thanked them again, which ended my first three hours in Canada.

[EZTOO]

I agree w/erudolph that you should never be a soft target. Even as a retired state LEO and combat vet, I still train/re-qual annually with my handguns. Display/use of a weapon is the last option, not only due to criminal implications, but you can be sued if anyone is injured with your weapon, even if your in the right. There is CC insurance through the NRA and maybe your own insurance companies. You could easily lose that "pretty" AS and much more if you play with guns!!