Police

It is not illegal for people to panhandle or beg in Edina. They are protected by the First Amendment and may stand passively and display signs on public property. 

Tips for Residents and Visitors
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 make you a potential victim of a crime.
• If comfortable, another option is to carry a bag with some food and basic hygiene supplies that could be handed 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.

 If you would like to help people in need, donate wisely to the organizations that exist to help them. You can get the most positive results from your donation if you donate to charitable organizations.

Available Resources

A variety of resources and non-profit partners are available in Edina to provide food resources, assist with housing needs, and assess physical and mental health needs. Donating to these organizations helps support long-term solutions. 

• United Way 2-1-1 provides referrals to resources and assistance for many issues. Call 211, or 651-291-0211. 211 is available 24 hours a day, every day.
• VEAP is the food shelf, which serves Edina, Richfield, Bloomington and South Minneapolis. VEAP also offers supportive services and housing stabilization programming. 
• The Edina Resource Center provides a list of resources available to help in areas such as food, housing, transportation, healthcare, financial support and more. Phone: 952-848-3936 
• VA Community Resource and Referral Center offers support programs for Veterans who are homeless. 
• Oasis for Youth operates a drop-in Resource Center for youth ages 16-24. Oasis for Youth meets the needs of youth through individualized case management, connections to resources, improved access to services and supports, and assistance with basic needs. 
• Agate Housing and Services offers shelter, housing, and resources for those who are experiencing homelessness. Phone: 612-874-0311 
• Loaves and Fishes offers free community meals at Hope Presbyterian Church, 7132 Portland Ave. S, Monday-Friday, 5 to 6 p.m., and Woodlake Lutheran Church, 2120 W. 76th St., Saturday-Sunday, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. 

Questions?
If you have further questions about panhandling in Edina, call the Edina Police Department at 952-826-1610.

Fingerprinting services are available on Wednesday evenings between 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Edina Police Department by appointment only based on the next available opening only. Times cannot be selected. Services are only available to Edina residents or teachers. Bring proof of residency and/or proof of employment (for Edina Public Schools). There is a $15 fee for the first card, $5 for each additional card. 

For more information or to make an appointment, please visit https://www.edinamn.gov/1768/Book-An-Appointment or call 952-826-1610. Please note, fingerprinting could be delayed or cancelled without notice due to the availability of the fingerprint machine.

We have no permit requirements. Alarm subscribers are assessed a fee for each false alarm to which the Police Department responds. A false alarm is defined by the responding officer as one in which an alarm was activated and the cause of the activation was not criminal activity. The fee for the first false alarm is $25; the second, third and fourth alarms in the calendar year are $110 each. The fifth and subsequent alarms in a calendar year are billed at $200.

For other alarm questions, call the main line during business hours at 952-826-1610.

The City required peddlers and solicitors carry and display a permit. 

View the application and return it to the Edina Police Department, 4801 W. 50th St. Do not sign the application until you bring it into the Police Department. Make sure to have two passport-like photos, brochures/credentials, check or cash in the amount of $30 and your State-issued ID. 

Once the application is reviewed and approved, you will need to pick up your badge. Permits allow soliciting in the City of Edina for 14 consecutive days. If you would like to continue for longer than 14 days, you will need to resubmit everything.

For more information, please contact the Edina Police Department’s non-emergency line at 952-826-1610.

You need to call 911 if there are any injuries or if public property is damaged in the accident. Police do not have to be called for minor property damage accidents. 

Payment can be made online, in mail, in person or over the phone with the Violations Bureau. If you would like to contest the citation you must also contact the Violations Bureau. 

For more details about how to pay or contest a citation visit the Hennepin County Violations Bureau website.

Mailing address:

District Court Administrator
c/o Violations Bureau
300 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55487-0014

Phone: (612) 348-2040

Website: www.mncourts.gov/Hennepin