Service Delivery Agents' Perceptions of the Impact of Panhandling Policy in Virginia

Service Delivery Agents’ Perceptions of the Impact of Panhandling Policy in Virginia by Nancy Brown MS, Saint Leo University, 2008 BA, Saint Leo University, 2006 Proposal Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University November 2019 Abstract Panhandling (also called begging and mendicancy) has been a problem for lawmakers. Although current crime control measures (based on the broken windows theory) have identified a perceived link between disorders (i.e., panhandling) and crime, previous attempts to ban panhandling were deemed unconstitutional. The purpose of this work was to investigate the impact of the latest attempt to curb panhandling in Hampton Roads, Virginia, known as the Public Education Campaign. This phenomenological inquiry examined the perceptions and work-related experiences of service delivery agents to explore the impact of the panhandling policy on panhandling and policy enforcement. Purposive sampling was used to recruit, interview, and record 7 service delivery agents (social workers and law enforcement officers). After the interviews were transcribed, member-checking and triangulation were used to contribute to the trustworthiness of this project. Results indicated ineffective communication and duplication of services were issues. Therefore, positive social change may result from an improved screening process for the Department of Social Services personnel. Furthermore, educating the public concerning the legality of panhandling may eliminate the duplication of services for the Housing Crisis Hotline personnel.Panhandling (also called begging and mendicancy) has been a problem for lawmakers. Although current crime control measures (based on the broken windows theory) have identified a perceived link between disorders (i.e., panhandling) and crime, previous attempts to ban panhandling were deemed unconstitutional. The purpose of this work was to investigate the impact of the latest attempt to curb panhandling in Hampton Roads, Virginia, known as the Public Education Campaign. This phenomenological inquiry examined the perceptions and work-related experiences of service delivery agents to explore the impact of the panhandling policy on panhandling and policy enforcement. Purposive sampling was used to recruit, interview, and record 7 service delivery agents (social workers and law enforcement officers). After the interviews were transcribed, member-checking and triangulation were used to contribute to the trustworthiness of this project. Results indicated ineffective communication and duplication of services were issues. Therefore, positive social change may result from an improved screening process for the Department of Social Services personnel. Furthermore, educating the public concerning the legality of panhandling may eliminate the duplication of services for the Housing Crisis Hotline personnel. Service Delivery Agents’ Perceptions of the Impact of Panhandling Policy in Virginia by Nancy Brown MS, Saint Leo University, 2008 BA, Saint Leo University, 2006 Proposal Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University November 2019 Dedication This doctoral dissertation is dedicated to Almighty God! Without His unfailing love and guidance, this work would not have come to fruition. Thank You for choosing me. I would also like to dedicate this dissertation to my son, Jaden Darius, for his love, understanding, sacrifice, patience, and encouragement. I love you more than you will ever know and pray that I am an inspiration to you. This dissertation is dedicated to my godparents, Apostle David and Elder Deloris Pettaway, for the many prayers prayed on my behalf. Lastly, I would like to dedicate this dissertation to my family (biological and in Christ) for their support and encouragement through this long dissertation journey. Thank you! Acknowledgments Many people have contributed to the success of this dissertation experience. I would like to thank my accountability team—Drema Hymon and James Burrell—for their continuous humor and friendship over great food. I would also like to thank my committee—Dr. Michael Knight, Dr. Gregory Campbell, Dr. Lynn Wilson, and Dr. John Walker—for their guidance and encouragement. Finally, I would like to thank the participants in this study. We did it!