MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT) -- Murfreesboro Police say they’re preparing to step up enforcement against panhandlers in response to public complaints.
In a statement released this morning, the MPD notes that pedestrians can be charged for stepping into the street, obstructing a sidewalk, or trespassing on private property. Motorists can be ticketed for obstructing traffic.
The department says its already issued 30 citations to people officers have seen stepping into the street.
The MPD says that in cooperation with the city’s homeless task force it’s developed a brochure that covers local traffic ordinances and also provides contact information for local charities that aid the homeless.
Murfreesboro Chief of Police Glenn Chrisman is quoted as saying there are “more productive ways of helping those in need.”