§ 33-3. Loitering or prowling.

(a)

A person commits the offense of loitering or prowling when he is in a place at a time or in a manner not usual for law-abiding individuals under circumstances that warrant a justifiable and reasonable alarm or immediate concern for the safety of persons or property in the vicinity.

(b)

Among the circumstances which may be considered in determining whether an alarm is warranted is the fact of whether or not the person takes flight upon the appearance of a law enforcement officer, refuses to identify himself, or manifestly endeavors to conceal himself or any object. Unless by flight the person or other circumstances make it impracticable, a law enforcement officer shall, prior to any arrest for an offense under this chapter, afford the person an opportunity to dispel any alarm or immediate concern which would otherwise be warranted by requesting the person to identify himself and explain his presence and conduct. No person shall be convicted of an offense under this chapter if the law enforcement officer failed to comply with the foregoing procedure or it appears at trial that the explanation given by the person was true and would have dispelled the alarm or immediate concern.

(Code 2004, § 50-3)

State law reference

Similar provisions, O.C.G.A. § 16-11-36.