Denver Police Chief Robert White has ordered city police to suspend the enforcement of the city's panhandling ordinance. The announcement comes a day after Grand Junction’s panhandling ordinance was ruled unconstitutional.
The ACLU of Colorado commended the city's prompt action on Friday, adding that cities across the state should be reviewing their own panhandling ordinances.
White's order was distributed through a training bulletin that read in part, "effective immediately, officers may not charge individuals with violation of the D.R.M.C. § 38-132."
It went on to point out, however, that other ordinances "ARE NOT impacted by the decision of the District Court and should still be enforced." Those include
Intentionally touching or causing physical contact with another person without that person’s consent in the course of soliciting.
And:
Intentionally blocking or interfering with the safe or free passage of a pedestrian or vehicle by any means, including unreasonably causing a pedestrian or vehicle operator to take evasive action to avoid physical contact.
And:
“No person shall panhandle on private or residential property after having been asked to leave or refrain from panhandling by the owner or other person lawfully in possession of such property.”
