The Brief
- A new Phoenix city policy took effect Friday, Jan. 16, allowing police to cite pedestrians for jaywalking or standing in medians without first issuing a warning.
- While Phoenix Police describe the change as a roadway safety measure, advocates for the homeless argue the ordinance unfairly targets the unsheltered community and serves as a “tax” rather than a solution.
PHOENIX – A new city policy took effect Friday allowing Phoenix Police officers to immediately cite pedestrians for jaywalking or standing in medians without first issuing a warning.
The backstory:
The change to the city code removes a previous requirement that mandated officers provide a warning before a citation. Phoenix Police Lt. Seth Jahnke said the update leaves enforcement up to officer discretion.…