Prince William, Fairfax leaders look to crack down on panhandling

Inside Nova

By Ben Peters

Prince William Supervisor Jeanine Lawson is calling for the county to adopt a law prohibiting roadside panhandling, which she described as a longstanding “epidemic” in the area.

Lawson, a Republican supervisor who represents the Brentsville District and is seeking election as board chair, said at a Fairfax County town hall that Prince William should explore approving a measure similar to a Loudoun County ordinance that regulates the practice.

“I would really like Prince William to take a strong and hard look at what is working in Loudoun County,” she said. “There’s no reason why we can’t at least explore those options.”

Prince William Supervisor Jeanine Lawson is calling for the county to adopt a law prohibiting roadside panhandling, which she described as a longstanding “epidemic” in the area.

Lawson, a Republican supervisor who represents the Brentsville District and is seeking election as board chair, said at a Fairfax County town hall that Prince William should explore approving a measure similar to a Loudoun County ordinance that regulates the practice.

“I would really like Prince William to take a strong and hard look at what is working in Loudoun County,” she said. “There’s no reason why we can’t at least explore those options.”

Herrity, who represents the Springfield District, has recently pushed for the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to also ban panhandling. He advised residents to refrain from giving money to panhandlers and instead give to area nonprofits that help connect them with resources and county social services.

“Providing money to individuals who panhandle doesn’t address the core issues and may prove to have a negative impact,” Herrity said.

Ahlemann noted panhandling numbers in Loudoun are markedly lower after the county law prohibiting it was adopted.

Lawson said Prince William is home to a wide range of panhandlers, including some who are truly in need of resources, while others are part of organized panhandling groups who coordinate to deceive residents for money. Other panhandlers are suffering from addiction, mental health issues or are experiencing homelessness, she said.

Lawson advocated for erecting signs across Prince William to raise awareness about panhandling. The county, Lawson said, is working to shift the behavior of givers to not provide money, while also encouraging panhandlers to seek help from government services.

Some Northern Virginia residents called in to the town hall. Many said panhandling has become more of an issue in recent years and that those doing it have become more aggressive. 

Lawson said violent panhandlers have become an acute issue for business owners in the Manassas area.

“They are incredibly disruptive to a lot of our retail shops up and down [Route] 234, and we actually need to make sure that what crimes they’re committing are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, because a lot of these store owners are fed up with the repeat offenders that are coming back and roughing up their clerks again,” Lawson said.