Hammond, IN Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 132.011 Loitering
- General loitering fine
- up to $2,500 per offense
- Gang dispersal-order fine
- up to $500 + 120 hrs community service
- Enforcing agency
- Hammond Police Department
Summary
In the City of Hammond, Indiana, it is unlawful to loiter on a street corner, sidewalk, alley crossing or public building while annoying or harassing passersby or nearby residents, and police can order suspected gang members to disperse from a public place on the spot.
(A) It shall be unlawful for any person to be found loitering or loafing on any street corner, sidewalk, street or alley crossing, or in any public building or bus or railroad depot within the city and conducting themselves in a manner calculated to annoy, harass, interfere with or threaten persons passing by or occupants or residents of the adjacent building. (B) Whenever a police officer observes a person whom they reasonably believe to be a criminal street gang member loitering in any public place with one or more other persons, the officer shall order such persons to disperse and remove themselves from the area. Any person who does not promptly obey such an order is in violation of this section. ... LOITER. ... To remain in any one place with no apparent purpose.
Full Breakdown
" A separate, more targeted power sits in division (B): whenever a police officer reasonably believes a person is a criminal street gang member loitering in a public place with one or more others, the officer can order the group to disperse, and anyone who does not promptly obey is in violation of the section in their own right. The section defines LOITER simply as remaining in one place with no apparent purpose, CRIMINAL STREET GANG as an ongoing group of three or more persons with a pattern of criminal gang activity, and PUBLIC PLACE as the public way or any other location open to the public, whether publicly or privately owned. 011. Enforcement of both sections falls to the Hammond Police Department.
Violations & Fines
General loitering under § 132.011(A) is punished under the chapter's standard penalty, § 132.999(A): a fine not exceeding $2,500 per offense, with each day of a continuing violation counted separately. Failing to disperse when ordered under § 132.011(B), the gang-loitering provision, instead draws a fine of up to $500 per offense and up to 120 hours of community service under § 132.999(B)(2).
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes loitering illegal in Hammond?
Can police order a group to leave under this ordinance?
What is the penalty for loitering in Hammond?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hammond
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