Police: Say 'no' to panhandlers, but 'yes' to charities

Saying “no” to panhandlers is a message one California police department wants to send to their community.

Officials with the Ventura Police Department say the money provided to panhandlers only continues to support their addictions, and doesn’t help someone get the long-term help they may need. The agency’s created a Facebook video showing an officer displaying their own messages written on pieces of cardboard.

The first cardboard message read, “Want to help?” The following messaged said, “Please don’t give to panhandlers.”

The department says they aren’t encouraging people to completely ignore them, but, instead, help them by donating to charities that provide food, shelter and services that help the homeless off the streets and focused on long-term solutions.