The city police announce efforts to reduce aggressive begging and drug activity

Lancaster City Police said Thursday it is increasing enforcement measures in response to an increase in aggressive panhandling, trespassing and other violations, particularly in the downtown area.

The department said it is also receiving more calls about illegal drug activity, particularly fentanyl and K2 overdoses.

“These challenges are straining public resources of first responders, which include police, fire and emergency medical services, and are significantly impacting the health and safety of our downtown public spaces,” the department said in a statement.

“We are actively working to address and reduce these concerns by increasing proactive enforcement and collaboration with community partners,” it said.

The US Supreme Court has ruled that simply asking for money is protected speech. However, cities are allowed to prohibit aggressive or coercive behavior. In Lancaster's case, an ordinance passed in 2016 prohibits scammers from, among other things, using offensive language, blocking someone's path or following, or continuing an advertisement after it has been rejected.

The Lancaster City Alliance is home to the Downtown Investment District, which employs blue-shirted “clean teams” and red-shirted “ambassadors” in the business district, as well as a street worker. In a statement, alliance president Marshall Snively said the organization fully supports the police department's efforts.

People shouldn't donate to scammers, he said, recommending instead making donations to the many local organizations that serve people struggling with homelessness and substance abuse.

“Lancaster is a generous community, but this generosity is taken advantage of by many and unfortunately leads to aggressive behavior, drug use and overdoses. “This poses a threat to everyone’s health and safety,” Snively said.