If you ever feel in danger or under threat call 911

or If you need help contact a service provider

 

DECIPHERING PANHANDLING

 

Quality of life and public safety are the building blocks of great neighborhoods and communities. This information serves to provide a basic understanding of panhandling laws in the City of Albany in an effort to maintain safety and, for those who want to help, connecting those in need with the many community-based services available to them.

 

Often people don't understand what is legal and what is not:

 

What is PERMITTED SOLICITATION in the City of Albany:

 

Passive solicitation - seeking a donation without approaching or stopping an individual or addressing a donation request to any specific person

 

Active solicitation - seeking a donation (by words, bodily gestures, or signs) when approaching or stopping an individual

What is ILLEGAL SOLICITATION in the City of Albany:

 

Active solicitation is prohibited throughout the City in the following circumstances:

 

• Within 10 feet of a building entrance or ATM or check cashing business during its business hours.

• When approaching an occupant of a motor vehicle when located on a street for the exchange of goods or services.

• On private property without permission from a property owner.

 

 

Aggressive solicitation is prohibited throughout the City and is defined as:

​

• Approaching, speaking to, or following a person resulting in that person:

• Otherwise being intimidated into giving money or other things of value

 

• Suffering unreasonable inconvenience, annoyance or alarm.

• Fearing bodily harm to oneself or to another, damage to or loss of property.

• Intentionally touching or causing physical contact with another person or an occupied vehicle without that person's consent in the course of soliciting, asking or begging.

• Intentionally blocking or interfering with the safe or free passage of a pedestrian or vehicle by any means, including causing a pedestrian or vehicle to take evasive action to avoid physical contact.

• Using violent or threatening gestures toward a person solicited.

 

To report panhandlers who may appear to be in violation of these City ordinance provisions:

 

 

Albany Police Department: 518-438-4000   

 

 If you feel it is an emergency, call 911.

​

The Risks to Drivers in Pedestrian Accidents & Insurance Article