This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The statement I hear most about panhandlers is, "There's no use giving them money. They'll just use it for drugs or alcohol." Sadly, in many cases that's true.
Here is my suggestion: make panhandling during drug or alcohol use illegal (just like driving under these circumstances).
How can that be handled? Police will accost and test all panhandlers for drugs and alcohol. If they're not under the influence of any of these, they will be given a certificate saying it's legal for them to continue seeking public help. If they're under the influence, they'll be given a warning ticket stating that if they're caught again, they'll be arrested.
This might help the number of addicts and alcoholics who will be given treatment if they are arrested for a second offense. Also, when you see a veteran or other needy person requesting a donation, we'll know they're truly needy.
Fred Civish
Ogden