Brentwood police are asking residents to stop giving money to panhandlers because they say it encourages criminals to come into the city.
The announcement, posted on the Brentwood Police Association's Facebook page, has ignited a debate about panhandlers and what to do when asked for cash.
Several Brentwood residents said they would rather give food than cash to panhandlers. Others said it depends on the panhandler's story.
"Sometimes if it's a young guy, I don't usually give the money," resident Eric Zhu said. "But if it's a really old guy, I feel sorry for them so I give them some."
Police recently responded to a call about a man begging for money outside of a bank in town.
The panhandler, who was described as a convicted felon, told officers he comes to Brentwood because residents are "nicer and give him more money," according to the police association's Facebook post.
Police said the man reportedly collected $600 in just a few hours. Police are telling residents to donate to charities instead of giving money to panhandlers.
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Stephanie Davis works at Shepherd's Gate, a shelter for women and children. She said donating to charities can help the homeless, but it is also important to take care of people's immediate needs.
"It might just be looking into their eyes and showing them love in that way," Davis said. "Versus trying to ignore them and never look at them, and immediately think that they're there for a negative reason because we just don't know. We don't what their story is. Everyone has a story."
Davis said in lieu of cash she started handing out tube socks.
"It's filled with different needs that if you saw someone on the street or on the corner and they're asking for something, you can them this and if they are truly homeless and in need, they're gonna appreciate a fresh pair of socks, Davis said. "Sometimes you can put some snacks in there that don't go bad or even if there's just a note of encouragement or something like that."
The Brentwood Police Officer's Association denied NBC Bay Area's request for an interview and pointed to the following statement on its Facebook page.
"The Brentwood Police have received an increasing number of complaints about aggressive panhandling in our community. As a Brentwood police officer and veteran myself, we have compassion for those who are in need, but we always recommend that residents give to food pantries and other nonprofit organizations RATHER THAN giving money directly to individuals who panhandle."
