The attempt by Councilmember Tommy Wells to move the curfew for teens up an hour to 10 PM was blocked when another member of the Council changed her vote at the last minute. I support curfews because they have the ability to keep our children and streets safer at night and to allow our police officers to focus on our other pressing enforcement needs.
During curfew hours, youth on the street are either taken home or taken in by officers on duty, but curfews are difficult to enforce. MPD is already understaffed, and combing every street and alley for kids out after curfew is challenging. Sure, most teens will obey the law and stay inside, but many will just ignore it. A curfew is only as good as MPD's ability to make it work.
When sudden crime spikes occur, as we are currently experiencing in The District, curfews must be enforced. But we must also think long-term. Later hours for recreation centers, teenager-targeted events and midnight basketball are all options that will allow our youth to stay up late, yet also be productive. Curfews are important, but let's all think about what we can do to create long-lasting stability in our neighborhoods.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
I agree with your comment re curfews, but believe it has to be more than just that type of enforcement. I see more lawbreaking activities, like public drinking, loud music from the cars along the curb and general groups of kids hanging out causing disruption prior to curfew than I do during curfew. I think a more effective enforcement, or presence can be just as effective as a curfew. Curfew is only 1 tool law enforcement has, not the end all be all, which many take it as.
Post a Comment