Image Credit: Knoxville Police Department – TN / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative [By Adelia Kirchner] –
Three individuals were arrested in Knoxville on Wednesday after the Knoxville Police Department (KPD) conducted an operation to address “aggressive panhandling” in response to “numerous complaints from residents.”
The operation was conducted by West and Central District KPD officers and focused on the off-ramps along I-40 and I-75 as well as the downtown and old city areas.
According to KPD, specific city streets known to frequented by panhandlers were included in the operation, such as Kingston Pike, Walker Boulevard, N. Peters Road, Gallaher View Road and Lovell Road.
During the July 2nd operation, officers worked to locate people with outstanding arrest warrants.
Results of the operation:
- 9 city citations issued for panhandling
- 4 misdemeanor citations issued for possession of drug paraphernalia
- 38 citizen contacts
- Three arrests for charges including indecent exposure, disorderly conduct and drunkenness
“The KPD is committed to addressing persistent issues that impact the safety and quality of life of Knoxville residents and visitors,” read a July 3rd press release.
The City of Knoxville itself has an ordinance prohibiting acts of solicitation after sunset and before sunrise, from any operator or occupant of a motor vehicle or from any person entering or exiting a motor vehicle, within 20 feet of a sidewalk café or outdoor dining area or from a person standing in line waiting to be admitted to a commercial establishment amongst several other restrictions.
Currently there is a $119 fine for panhandling within the city.
Meanwhile efforts in Memphis to address the number of homeless camps on the streets are proving to be efficient.
A new state law that went into effect on Friday, May 2nd, requires the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to develop and implement policies alongside the local and city governments to remove camping equipment from bridges, overpasses and other right-of-way areas.
Public Chapter 310 was sponsored in the state legislature this year by Sen. Brent Taylor (R-Memphis-District 31).
According to Sen. Taylor, TDOT has since “cleared out the sprawling homeless encampment” that was located at I-40 and Summer Ave. in Memphis.
“This decisive action, inspired by my new law mandating TDOT partner with local groups via MOUs, ensures that within 30 days of a report, we’re not just talking about helping the homeless—we’re actually doing it!” ~ Sen. Brent Taylor
The Memphis Republican stated that constituents had raised concerns about this site in particular being dangerous to motorists, pedestrians, and the individuals at the encampment.
“My law made sure those in need got real help—services, support, a path forward—not just a pat on the head and a free pass to live in filth,” wrote Sen. Taylor. “To my sanctimonious critics who think doing nothing is somehow noble: newsflash—ignoring suffering isn’t kindness, it’s neglect.”
About the Author: Adelia Kirchner is a Tennessee resident and reporter for the Tennessee Conservative. Currently the host of Subtle Rampage Podcast, she has also worked for the South Dakota State Legislature and interned for Senator Bill Hagerty’s Office in Nashville, Tennessee. You can reach Adelia at adelia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
