Collierville, TN Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

Section 130.017 of the Collierville Code of Ordinances, enacted by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen in Ord. 2003-07, covers loitering and prowling, obstruction of public ways, and unauthorized congregation on school property. Division (A)(1) is the loitering and prowling rule. The test is conduct in a place, at a time, or in a manner not usual for law-abiding individuals, under circumstances that warrant alarm for the safety of persons or property in the vicinity. The code names three facts a court can weigh in deciding whether alarm was warranted: the person takes flight upon the appearance of a police officer, refuses to identify himself or herself, or manifestly endeavors to conceal himself or herself or any object.

The ordinance builds in a procedural safeguard that decides many cases. Unless flight or other circumstances make it impractical, a Collierville police officer must, before any arrest under this section, give the person an opportunity to dispel the alarm by requesting the person to identify himself or herself and to explain his or her presence or conduct. No person can be convicted if the officer did not comply with that step, or if the explanation given at trial was true and, had the officer believed it at the time, would have dispelled the alarm. A police officer can arrest a suspected loiterer or prowler without a warrant if it reasonably appears that the delay caused by obtaining a warrant would result in the suspect's escape.

Division (B) adds a school rule: it is unlawful to congregate upon the school grounds at any time when school is not in session, except when the grounds are being used with the permission of the school authorities. Standing or sitting in a way that blocks a sidewalk or an entrance is a separate offense in division (A)(2), covered on the sit-lie page. The Collierville Police Department enforces the section.