Springfield police: Panhandlers can legally solicit even if their sign is true or not

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – An uptick of panhandlers seen across the City of Springfield asking for funds to support a child’s funeral has prompted the police to issue a statement stating this act of asking for money is legal.

According to the Springfield Police Department, officers have noticed individuals panhandling across the city “under the guise of raising money for a funeral for a child who died.” The police say that the ones that they have seen regarding this type of solicitation are not legitimate.

“The panhandlers can legally solicit regardless of what it says on their signs. It does not matter if it is true or not, as long as they remain off the street, stay on the sidewalk and are not aggressive,” said a Facebook post by the Springfield Police Department.

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