Panhandling Out Of Darien's Hands: Officials

DARIEN, IL – A Darien alderwoman on Tuesday asked the police chief how the city could deal with panhandlers.

Police Chief Greg Thomas said there was nothing the city could do.

"There has been a (U.S.) Supreme Court decision that allows that to happen, and I think it is what it is," Thomas said at a City Council meeting. "I think there is a problem with safety with them being so close to traffic. But we have to follow the law."

Alderwoman Mary Sullivan said she recently received a complaint about panhandling. She said she has seen an increase in such activity at Cass Avenue's intersections with Plainfield Road and 75th Street.

She encouraged the city to place an item in its weekly newsletter about the city's lack of ability to do anything about panhandling.

"I don't think people realize it's out of our hands," Sullivan said.

Mayor Joseph Marchese said the city's attorney has advised the city to do nothing about panhandling because "if you force the issue, you'll lose."

The council also discussed panhandling in February 2020. At the time, Thomas gave the same answer to aldermen.