SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - An uptick of panhandlers seen across the City of Springfield asking for funds to support a child's funeral has prompted the police to issue a statement stating this act of asking for money is legal. According to the Springfield Police Department, officers have noticed individuals panhandling across the city "under the guise of raising money for a funeral for a child who died." The police say that the ones that they have seen regarding this type of solicitation are not legitimate. City of Springfield to put up “Say No to Panhandling” signs "The panhandlers can legally solicit regardless of what it says on their signs. It does not matter if it is true or not, as long as they remain off the street, stay on the sidewalk and are not aggressive," said a Facebook post by the Springfield Police Department. Local News Headlines New protocol announced for unknown substances found at prisons in Massachusetts Counterfeit money seized in organized retail theft at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls Enfield police captures four suspects in stolen vehicle Crews put out car fire after two-motor vehicle crash in Easthampton WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.