HomeMy WebLinkAboutFS 2012-02-22 Item 2B - Ordinance - PanhandlingCity of Tukwila
Jim Haggerton, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Haggerton
Finance and Safety Committee
FROM: Assistant Chief of Police, Bruce Linton
DATE: February 15, 2012
SUBJECT: Tukwila Soliciting Law Effectiveness
ISSUE
The City of Tukwila's "Soliciting In Certain Areas Prohibited" ordinance, TMC 8.29.010
was effective on December 13, 2011. This informational memorandum is intended to
highlight anecdotal information along with statistical data relating to the impact of the
ordinance during the three months of enforcement.
BACKGROUND
During the September 26 Committee of The Whole (COW) Meeting and in a response to
numerous citizen complaints regarding aggressive and increasing pan handling throughout our
city, Councilman Dennis Robertson solicited support from the council to consider an ordinance
that would limit pan handling. He communicated specific safety concerns among the citizens
and indicated that this type activity created a safety issue. Under the direction and support of
Mayor Haggerton city staff researched and drafted the ordinance "Soliciting In Certain Areas
Prohibited" which outlined geographical areas along the Tukwila International Boulevard corridor
and the Central Business District.
The purpose of the ordinance is specified in the purpose statement as:
"...to provide the free flow of pedestrian and vehicle traffic on streets and sidewalks in the city,
to promote tourism and business, and to preserve the quality of urban life. Solicitation in
proximity to automated teller machines and outdoor patios where food and beverage are served
is inherently intimidating and should be restricted. By this legislation, the City Council intends to
promote the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of and visitors to the City of Tukwila."
DISCUSSION
The Tukwila Police Department, responsible for enforcing this new law, came up with an
enforcement strategy. The Chief of Police's intent was to first train our officers on the specifics
of the law, then initiate the process through public education and enforcement.
Our officers were trained and businesses were notified of the new ordinance. A brochure
conveying details of the law identified resources to assist the needy and mentally ill. This
brochure is presented to violators contacted by the Tukwila Police. Violators are educated on
the new law and issued a warning one time per 12 -month period, after which further violations
will result in an arrest.
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INFORMATIONAL MEMO
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As of Feb 15, 2012, after 3 months of enforcement and education on the new law, Tukwila
Police Department Officers have issued 45 warning citations. One repeat violator was arrested
during this time period.
A collection of anecdotal information from our officers and patrol supervisors revealed the
following;
Supervisors and officers reported that this is the best anti nuisance measure they have
seen and it's a "huge" tool in dealing with the aggressive pan handling issue.
A patrol supervisor reported appreciation from businesses such as the California Pizza
Kitchen and Westfield Mall management on the effectiveness of the ordinance and the
enforcement conducted by the officers.
A patrol supervisor reported on our officer "buy in" on the ordinance. He indicated that
there were no complaints regarding the extra work generated from the aggressive
enforcement effort.
The Central Business District (CBD) Team reported that the warnings are working and
have greatly reduced the number of solicitors in the CBD during the last month.
RECOMMENDATION
No recommendation. The above is for information only.
ATTACHMENTS
Soliciting Law Explanation Pamphlet
Panhandling Law pamphlet
Panhandling definition
Panhandling violations
No panhandling area map