Lafayette police plan forum on panhandling after complaints

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) - Police in Lafayette are noting an uptick in complaints about aggressive panhandling and have scheduled a community discussion on the issue later this month.

Sergeant Scott Galloway tells The (Lafayette) Journal & Courier that (http://on.jconline.com/2oRv7Q5 ) recent complaints involve panhandlers at gas stations and other areas saying they need money and then becoming confrontational if people turn them down.

Galloway says residents, business owners and authorities should work together to curb the problem. A forum hosted by the department and local homeless outreach groups is scheduled for April 27 at Lafayette City Hall.

There was a similar event last year for local businesses and patrons about the city's homeless population.

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Information from: Journal and Courier, http://www.jconline.com