Court Rules Ordinance Banning Panhandlers In Claremore Unconstitutional

The Claremore Police Department said a new court ruling is changing how they deal with panhandlers. 

According to Claremore officers, they have seen a spike in people coming out and asking for donations at medians and intersections. 

The city had an ordinance that stopped people from doing that but they say a recent ruling from the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals said it is unconstitutional for a city, county or law enforcement to intervene unless the person is causing a disruption to traffic

Claremore police officer Brian Burnett said they have had plenty of complaints about the solicitors, but they are not causing any major problems. 

“Lot of calls on it but so far, it’s been smooth. No injuries, no accidents. Again, we’re gonna have some complaints” said Burnett.

Burnett said the city attorney is still gathering more information about the ruling and what officers can and can’t do moving forward.