Norwalk, CT Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

Chapter 64, adopted September 28, 1982, targets loitering tied to prostitution rather than loitering in general. Section 64-1A bars any person from loitering or remaining in a public place under circumstances manifesting a purpose to engage or solicit another to engage in sexual activity, and lists factors an officer may weigh: being a known prostitute or panderer, repeatedly beckoning or stopping passersby, engaging passersby in conversation, or repeatedly hailing or waving at motor vehicle operators. The ordinance builds in a due-process check found in few loitering laws: under § 64-1B, an officer cannot arrest or cite anyone under this chapter without first directly demanding an explanation of the conduct and giving the person a chance to respond, and § 64-1C bars conviction if that demand was skipped or if the explanation offered was true and showed a lawful purpose.

'Loitering' is defined narrowly in § 64-2 as remaining idle in essentially one place, including spending time idly, loafing, or walking about aimlessly, and 'known prostitute or panderer' means someone previously convicted under a Norwalk ordinance or Connecticut statute defining prostitution, patronizing, promoting prostitution, or another Chapter 952 offense.