I'd prefer that individuals not be left to make decisions about who is mentally ill but rather let the professionals do so. I'm on the Mall every weekday and I'm equally tired of dealing with people panhandling on every corner. The police should assist the homeless organizations in connecting with all those who are homeless and wandering around downtown as they're better equipped to encourage those who need help to get it. And if they are unwilling to seek help from homeless organizations then make sure they understand that they are being watched and must abide by the city laws. I am not disagreeing with you that the number of homeless is out of hand, and the number of young people who travel here with their sleeping bags are problematic if you are just trying to get to work and earn some money. But part of the problem is that the police department is not patrolling the mall in any consistent way and that encourages panhandling rather than discourages it.