Chief Simmons: Warn first, arrest later

In an effort to deter panhandling within city limits, Pensacola Police officers have begun
enforcing Escambia County’s panhandling ordinance by issuing warnings to violators.

“It would not be prudent for our officers to immediately arrest people on a new ordinance
without first educating them,” said Chief Chip W. Simmons. “We are going to issue one warning
to each violator. If they heed the warning, they will not be arrested. If they continue to violate
the ordinance, we will arrest them and take them to jail.”

As of 5 p.m. today, warnings about the new ordinance had been issued to four people and
no arrests were made. Officers will continue to monitor intersections within city limits where
panhandlers are known to congregate and will take appropriate action.