Panhandlers on Anne Arundel roads will be getting a flier from police warning them of a state law prohibiting from asking for money.
“This is an issue of public safety for both vehicle drivers and those who position themselves along the county?s busiest roads,” said County Executive John R. Leopold, who issued the order Wednesday.
The General Assembly passed a law this year that bans panhandlers from asking for donations on roadsides or medians. The law goes into effect Oct. 1.
As part of a four-week effort, county police will start handing out fliers beginning Saturday to the panhandlers.
Assistance for panhandlers is available by calling the Annapolis Area Ministries at 410-263-1835 and Arundel House of Hope at 410-863-4888.
Breaking the law will cost the panhandler $500.
A police spokesman was unaware of the program when contacted Wednesday afternoon, and had no comment.
