To date in 2024, the EPPD has responded to 50 incidents of panhandling in Eden Prairie. Some of those incidents include residents asking about the legality of panhandling. Throughout the United States, panhandling is a First Amendment right which no City can prohibit.

Panhandling is permissible on public property, including street corners. However, one is not allowed to panhandle on a roadway or in a way that endangers a panhandler’s or driver’s safety. Therefore, the City can (and does) intervene when someone is panhandling on a roadway or median. When a panhandler is on private property, the property owner must initiate contact with police if they want officers to manage the situation.

The courts have ruled that panhandlers may stand passively and display their signs. However, they may not behave aggressively or interfere with traffic flow. If you notice aggressive behavior or interference with traffic, please call 911 so an officer may respond.

If you are approached by a panhandler or someone soliciting money, the following tips may be helpful:

• Do not provide money to panhandlers. Politely say no or sorry. Pulling out your purse or wallet can also make you a potential victim of a crime.
• Another option, for those who feel comfortable, is to carry a bag with some food and basic hygiene supplies that you could hand out to those in need instead of giving money.

Aggressive panhandling is illegal. If you feel threatened, call 911. Examples of aggressive behavior include:

• Confronting someone in a way that would cause a reasonable person to fear bodily harm.
• Touching someone without their consent. 
• Continuing to panhandle or follow someone after they have refused to give money.
• Intentionally blocking or interfering with the safe passage of a person or vehicle.
• Using obscene or abusive language toward someone while attempting to panhandle.
• Acting with intent to intimidate someone into giving money.

The Eden Prairie Police Department takes a proactive and compassionate approach with panhandlers. The department offers to connect panhandlers with local resources [PDF], including the department’s social worker, however we can’t force panhandlers to accept help. We always try to educate first but sometime citations are necessary, especially for repeated violators.