By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

Pennsauken Township has taken another significant step in preventing unwanted solicitors or peddlers from knocking on the doors of residents. With the passing of Ordinance 2024:17 last month, Pennsauken is creating a “Do Not Knock” list. The Township Clerk will maintain a list of addresses where the owners have indicated in writing that they do not want solicitors appearing at their door at any time.

Residents and homeowners will receive a sign up form for the “Do Not Knock” list in the August tax bill, which should be arriving in mailboxes later this month. The form can be picked up at the Clerk’s Office at the Township Municipal Building, 5605 N. Crescent Bld., during normal business hours. And an online form will be available at the Township’s website, Pennsauken.gov. There will also be several other opportunities for residents to receive the form.

Once an address is submitted, it will be added to the “Do Not Knock” list. No names are included on the list. This list is shared with both the Pennsauken Township Police Department, as well as any solicitors who wish to go door to door in town.  

Pennsauken still requires anyone who wishes to sell door to door in town to register with the Township and obtain an ID from the Clerk’s Office. They must have this ID on them at all times while going door to door. Each salesperson must also have background/fingerprint or name check prior to soliciting. Not until they are cleared are they able to obtain the permit. Solicitors are also told at the time of application that they are not permitted to begin their work until they are fully authorized and have received their ID. 

Penalties for trying to solicit at an address on the “Do Not Knock” can include a fine not exceeding $1,250, up to 90 days of jail time, or a period of community service up to 90 days, as decided by the town’s Municipal Court Judge. Each violation is considered a separate and distinct offense, and subject to any of the penalties mentioned.

For those not included in the “Do Not Knock” list, the Township Clerk’s Office recommends the following when a solicitor comes to a resident’s door:

• Speak to them behind your screen door and ask for their Pennsauken ID
• Make a mental note of the name and description of the person
• If they do not or cannot present the ID, politely excuse yourself and call the Pennsauken Police Department at (856) 663-1234 – DON’T WAIT

Residents are also asked to please call the Clerk’s Office and leave their name and address and notification of the person’s name, business and what they were selling, if possible.

There are exemptions regarding going door to door. Religious organizations, charitable groups, as well as political candidates/campaigners can knock on doors, as allowed by the U.S. Constitution.