Downtown Panhandling Operation Nets 8 Arrests
NEWS RELEASE
Release Date: April 2, 2014
Modesto Police Department
Media Relations Unit
Office of the Chief of Police
600 10th Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Author: Heather Graves
Modesto, CA – Officers conducted a plain clothes operation on Friday aimed at educating panhandlers and patrons.
Officers from the Crime Reduction Team (CRT) wore plain clothes in the downtown area on Friday after receiving numerous complaints from business owners of aggressive panhandling. The operation consisted of enforcement of the panhandling ordinance, but most importantly it provided an opportunity for officers to give educational material to the public.
Panhandlers and patrons were provided with a community resource pamphlet showing all of the free resources available in Stanislaus County. Panhandlers were encouraged to utilize the resources available, while patrons were encouraged not to give money directly to individuals, but rather to the agencies that provide services.
CRT Sergeant Ciccarelli said, “It is the Crime Reduction Team’s focus to not only provide enforcement, but education. These operations are as important for educating the public as they are to reducing the panhandling issue in the downtown area of Modesto.”
A total of 8 arrests were made during the operation on a variety of charges including municipal code violations and warrants. The Community Referrals and Free Services pamphlet can be found at http://www.modestogov.com/mpd/downloads/Community%20Resources.pdf.
If you have any information regarding criminal activity, please call Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Tipsters may also text information to Crime Stoppers at 274637. Just type “TIP704” along with your message.
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Address/Location
Modesto Police Department
600 10th St
Modesto, CA 95354
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 209-572-9500
Heather Graves
Media Relations Unit
[email protected]
209-652-0514