Is it Illegal to Panhandle or Beg on Shreveport Streets?

Get our free mobile app

It seems where ever you drive through the streets of Shreveport, you're going to pull into an intersection with someone holding a cardboard sign trying to jink you out of your hard-earned cash.

Most of us have our regular 'routes' we travel through the city, and already know where you're pretty much guaranteed  to be confronted by panhandlers.  Kings Hwy. under I-49, N. Spring at the over-pass right in front of Ernest's, any Circle K, and most Walmart parking lots.  I was just confronted in the Lowe's parking lot on Youree.  We know there's an encampment back behind there.

I don't want to sound cold-hearted, but I don't generally give out cash.  We contribute to the homeless in other, more helpful ways.  There are ministries and various organizations that support and assist those in genuine need. And I can pretty much guarantee that story  you're going to get about their car breaking down, or the fact that they 'just need $5 for gas to get down to Alexandria,' is nothing more than hog-shnozzle.

And though it might be annoying to be constantly approached by these emotional scammers, what does the law actually say about someone panhandling on the streets of Shreveport?  Well, first, it depends on where the begging is taking place.

According to the Shreveport City ordinance:  Sec 50-166- Panhandling

Sec. 50-166. - Panhandling, begging and soliciting alms.

(a)

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Accosting means approaching or speaking to someone in such a manner as would cause a reasonable person to fear imminent bodily harm or the commission of a criminal act upon his person, or upon property in his immediate possession.

Ask, beg, panhandle and solicit mean and include, without limitation, the spoken, written or printed word or such other acts as are conducted in furtherance of the purpose of obtaining alms.

Forcing oneself upon the company of another means continuing to request, beg or solicit alms from a person after that person has made a negative response, blocking the passage of the individual addressed or otherwise engaging in conduct which could reasonably be construed as intended to compel or force a person to accede to demands.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to solicit money or other things of value:

(1)  On private property if the owner, tenant or lawful occupant has asked the person not to solicit on the property, or has posted a sign clearly indicating that solicitations are not welcome on the property;

(2)  Within 15 feet of the entrance to or exit from any public toilet facility;

(3)  Within 15 feet of an automatic teller machine, provided that, when an automated teller machine is located within an automated teller machine facility, such distance shall be measured from the entrance or exit of the automated teller machine facility;

(4)  Within 15 feet of any pay telephone, provided that, when a pay telephone is located within a telephone booth or other facility, such distance shall be measured from the entrance or exit of the telephone booth or facility;

(5)  In any public transportation vehicle, or in any bus or subway station, or within 15 feet of any bus stop or taxi stand;

(6)  From any operator of a motor vehicle that is in traffic on a public street; provided, however, that this subsection shall not apply to services rendered in connection with emergency repairs requested by the owner or passengers of such vehicle;

(7)  From any persons who are waiting in line for entry to any building, public or private, including but not limited to any residence, business or athletic facility; or

(8)  Within 15 feet of the entrance to or exit from a building, public or private, including but not limited to any residence, business or athletic facility.

(c)  It shall be unlawful for any person to solicit money or other things of value:

(1) By accosting another; or

(2) By forcing oneself upon the company of another.

(d)  The provisions of this section shall not apply to an organization which has obtained a permit from the city to conduct charitable solicitations in accordance with article X of chapter 42 of this Code.

(Ord. No. 189, 2004, 11-30-04)

If you would like to help those in actual need, there are resources available.

The Salvation Army of NWLA (Shreveport Corp)
200 E. Stoner Ave, Shreveport, LA 71101
318 424-3200

The Hub Ministries/The Lovewell Center
605 Cotton Street
Shreveport, LA 71101
318 606-2518

Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission
901 McNeil St
Shreveport, LA. 71101
318 227-2868

And these are just a few of the many available.