People Asking for Money in Parking Lots Allover Indy (Indianapolis: house, unemployment)

[chet_kinkaid]

when i see a panhandler approaching i always ask him or her if they have any change or cigs.i dont smoke and they leave me alone so it works for all invloved

[indy_317]

Originally Posted by X-Greensboro Resident

I've never heard of "Knockout King"... Isn't that some sort of video game? Do tell....

As for getting a "random beat down" by a bunch of teens, I think most punks would think otherwise by the way I look! Not to mention I do have a CC license and usually carry and will protect myself if my life is in danger...

Knockout King is a "game" that is just a random beating of a person. The motive is the beating of the person, not robbery, not due for any particular reason. It may or may not involve a gang initiation. The term is believed to have come out of St. Louis. One older Korean man was beaten to death by younger people and it is believed the reason for the beating was Knockout King. There are numerous news reports available if you Google the term.

Originally Posted by thefallensrvnge

Isn't it illegal for beggers to ask for change in downtown? I mean I know that is not going to stop them, but I heard someone talking about a law against it.

There is a city-county ordinance (for Indianapolis) and a state law. The state law prohibits panhandling in certain circumstances: Near an ATM, near outdoor seating areas at restaurants, between certain times, only allowed to ask once, and a few other actions. The city-county ordinance was said to be more strict, and they wanted an even stricter ban. The thing is, people have freedom of speech, but since some in the general population are so skittish, they demand that the undesirables be silenced.

[steel7]

I do get asked often if i have a smoke. I dont smoke so it works out good. Smokers stink so the pan handlers would know if was lying.

[Colts]

Panhandling is common in a lot of cities. I do think Indianapolis has a particularly bad problem with it, though. The beggars there are numerous and aggressive.

[Colts]

Originally Posted by indy_317

The thing is, people have freedom of speech, but since some in the general population are so skittish, they demand that the undesirables be silenced.

Which "undesirables" are you referring to, Rave?

[indy18]

Originally Posted by Colts

Panhandling is common in a lot of cities. I do think Indianapolis has a particularly bad problem with it, though. The beggars there are numerous and aggressive.

Agreed. Indianapolis has worse panhandlers than NYC. The ones here are rude and aggressive.

[indy_317]

Originally Posted by Colts

Which "undesirables" are you referring to, Rave?

Those people (maybe homeless, maybe not) who are loitering, asking (some call begging) for something (money, food, gas, etc.).

[indy_317]

Originally Posted by Colts

Panhandling is common in a lot of cities. I do think Indianapolis has a particularly bad problem with it, though. The beggars there are numerous and aggressive.

Originally Posted by indy18

Agreed. Indianapolis has worse panhandlers than NYC. The ones here are rude and aggressive.

NYC got very tough on various crimes, which panhandlers/beggars (homeless or not) seemed to be more inclined to do than others: Block traffic, urinate in public, be intoxicated in public, etc.. They say that strong enforcement really got the point across to stop being so aggressive towards the general public. Also, it takes undercover operations to sometimes enforce panhandling laws. Most victims don't want to deal with the issue, and if the victim doesn't want to press charges, there is no reason to make arrests and press charges that won't stick. So plain cloth undercover officers are needed to just walk around and become victims of panhandlers who violate the law. Of course that sometimes means taking officers off the street, or overtime, both of which are likely negatives given the current situation in Indianapolis (money and number of officer issues). I do believe I've read where IMPD in the past (though not recently) has engaged in these types of stings, likely when enough people complain about certain very aggressive panhandlers.

[indy18]

Has anyone else encountered the aggressive people downtown who will insist that you take a rose or some other crappy little object so that they can get a buck out of you? They don't take no for an answer.

I never give anyone any money. One time though, I was walking out of the CVS at Ohio and Illinois with a 12 pack of coke. A man asked me for a coke and I gave him one. You would have thought I handed him a 100 dollar bill. He was very appreciative.

Overall though, most of them just want money and many don't like to take no for an answer.

[sweetana3]

Sure not new. Remember the "Moonies" that used to hit people up in airports and other public places. I think a smile, a no and keep walking, is fine and sufficiently polite. Sometimes I will compliment a nice looking dog they might have and then keep on walking. I never get in conversations with aggressive people and will pretend to be deaf if necessary.

Of course, it helps to look a little like a homeless person than some of the well dressed workers downtown. I am usually in a garage sale/thrift store outfit.