After years of having problems with panhandlers near Interstate 90 in Park Ridge, police say they are cracking down on the beggars because they’re causing too many traffic problems.Police are now collecting names and information on the panhandlers, while giving them verbal and written warnings to leave. If they ignore the two prior warnings, the individuals will be arrested, police said.
The issue has become a serious problem near Cumberland Avenue and Higgins Road, near the Kennedy Expressway exit, where people continually hold up signs asking for food and money, said Cmdr. Lou Jogmen. It’s against the law to solicit money, he added.
“We try and encourage them not to do that,” Jogmen said. “They pose a danger to themselves as well as motorists in the area.”
Police have been called by motorists and residents to the area numerous times, Jogmen said. The new strategy will give the beggars the benefit of the doubt in case they are unaware, but will also make police consistent, he said.
Some of the panhandlers have told officers they make as much as $100 per hour, Police Chief Frank Kaminski said to the council this week.
“Certainly we’re not trying to tell people not to give to needy people,” Kaminski said. “But in these cases people are walking in traffic…and we’ve warned people a number of times and they have failed to listen.”
Before starting the project, Park Ridge police spoke with the state’s attorney’s office and various judges about the problems. Since it started three weeks ago, they arrested one man on May 6 on the Cumberland and Higgins intersection. The 48-year-old Cicero man was charged with soliciting rides or business on a roadway and has been in the busy intersection more than three times, Jogmen said.
Kaminski said if people want to donate money to those in need, they should reach out to social services agencies, like the Center of Concern. Handing the panhandlers money “just perpetuates the problem” and will increase safety hazards, Kaminski said.
“When you give to people on the streets, all they’re going to do is keep coming back because the source is there,” Kaminski said.