panhandling

Battle Creek City Commissioners approved a set of proposed ordinances regarding panhandling at their Tuesday, August 17 meeting. The Enquirer reports that the ordinances passed 5-4, and if they are enacted would lay out rules regarding loitering and the solicitation of money in the City...

So-called "aggressive" panhandlers setting up shop in Battle Creek has city commissioners working to figure out if a tweak to the law would be helpful in order for police to better enforce against the practice. West Michigan attorney Rich Migala tells WBCK the wording of such a law will be key, especially since the idea centers around intimidation, which can be different for one person v

As Battle Creek city commissioners work to sort out a possible panhandling law to address aggressive panhandlers in the city, we continue to consult with experts on the issue. That includes the directors of two of Battle Creek's main organizations assisting the homeless in the community...

As Battle Creek city commissioners work to sort out potential legal approaches to aggressive panhandling in the city, police chief Jim Blocker tells WBCK officers are well aware of the problem. Blocker said the current law has no specific foundation for dealing with aggressive panhandlers, so police are often unable to intervene specifically when the behavior happens...

An informational session this week concerning Battle Creek's approach toward aggressive panhandling downtown revealed general overall support for adding teeth to the law. Battle Creek City Commissioner Mark Behnke and City Attorney Jill Steele tell WBCK the whole discussion has been motivated by a group of aggressive panhandlers in downtown who have pushed the patience of many residents, including