Parents Could Face Fines After Year-Long Kid Curfew Enacted

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Parents in a North Carolina city might face a $500 penalty if their child violates a newly implemented year-long curfew that commenced on Tuesday night to address youth crime. The Fayetteville City Council approved the ordinance in a 5-4 vote on Tuesday, prohibiting children aged 16 and under from being in public areas between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily. Exceptions to the curfew include emergencies, work, afterschool activities, or being accompanied by parents.

The decision to initiate the pilot program stemmed from an increase in juvenile-related crimes noticed by city officials. Mayor Mitch Colvin mentioned that the city will adopt a gradual approach to enforcing the curfew, with plans to discuss implementation and educate the community on rules and compliance expectations on June 9.

Colvin emphasized the importance of parental involvement in ensuring youth compliance with city laws. He highlighted a decrease in overall crime during his tenure but expressed concerns over rising juvenile crime rates. Colvin cited a significant increase in juvenile crimes from 1,500 to nearly 2,000 incidents within a 15-month period.

The mayor stressed the need to prevent young individuals from becoming victims or perpetrators of crimes, including assaults and car thefts, notably involving Hyundai and Kia vehicles. Colvin also expressed worries about the number of weapons seized from the city’s youth.

Regarding the curfew, Colvin noted the necessity of tough decisions to ensure a safe environment for the community and its children. Meanwhile, Dinesha Neal from the Jai6 Youth Foundation questioned the curfew’s effectiveness and potential criminalization of youth, advocating for more community-focused programs and solutions.

The curfew ordinance took immediate effect following its approval, with a scheduled meeting on June 9 to further discuss implementation procedures.