TIMES SQUARE (WABC) -- Police are working to educate the public after several Times Square costumed characters were arrested.
The NYPD is working with the Times Square Alliance to remind people the characters cannot charge for a photograph, and tipping is optional.
They're also telling tourists to call the police if a character gets out of hand.
This comes after a man dressed as Spiderman was accused of harassing a tourist for a tip, and then punching a police officer when he was confronted.
Police are handing out fliers with the reminder superimposed on a picture of Times Square's versions of Mickey Mouse and Elmo.