Lawrence to discuss concerns that downtown panhandlers have become more numerous and aggressive toward visitors

As city leaders prepare to discuss concerns that downtown panhandlers have become more numerous and aggressive toward visitors, both police and mental health resources will likely be part of the discussion.

Some commissioners think that the Lawrence police department should potentially bring back downtown foot patrols to help deter panhandling, but others think to truly address the complex issue of homelessness and panhandling will take more.
Commissioner Matthew Herbert, who was elected in 2015, said people have been talking about downtown panhandling being an issue as long as he’s been on the commission.