Fort Worth police say they’ve issued 326 citations and arrested 29 people in a recent enforcement push targeting aggressive panhandling across the city.
The operation, carried out over the past several weeks, focused on high-traffic corridors where officers say they’ve seen a rise in safety complaints from drivers and pedestrians.
City officials note that panhandling itself is not illegal, but aggressive behavior — including blocking cars, approaching occupied vehicles, or threatening passersby — can lead to citations or arrest under local ordinances. Police say the stepped-up enforcement follows an increase in citizen reports expressing concern about roadway safety and potentially dangerous encounters at major intersections.
The effort is part of an ongoing initiative to respond to public complaints and direct individuals toward available social services when possible. Fort Worth police say similar operations are expected to continue as the city works to balance safety concerns with outreach efforts.
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