The Richmond City Council on Tuesday is set to discuss a proposal to establish a “Safe Walk Zone” on 23rd Street. For years, neighbors have worried about children seeing unsafe behavior on their way to schools and parks. Councilmember Jamelia Brown, who represents the corridor, says a 2023 state law, Senate Bill 357, made these problems worse.
The state law stopped police from arresting people for loitering with intent to commit prostitution. It prevents officers from stopping someone just because of how they dress or where they stand. Enforcement must now be based on specific, observable criminal conduct. Because of this, residents say they have seen more open solicitation and disruptive behavior in public. Brown says Richmond has no special rules to help protect families from these issues.
The new “Safe Walk Zone” would provide police with a policy framework, says Brown. Under this policy, officers would still be banned from stopping people based on their clothing or reputation. Instead of assuming why someone is standing on a corner, officers would prioritize enforcing laws against specific actions that are still backed by state law, such as indecent exposure, lewd or dissolute conduct in public, disturbing the peace, obstruction of a public way and public intoxication when safety is impacted.
The plan would not create new crimes or punishments, according to Brown. Instead, the city would identify “child-sensitive areas” near schools and libraries to focus its safety efforts. The proposal could include erecting new signs and maps for the area. The plan also suggests working with social services to help people in need.
