What’s happening?
The summer youth curfew started over the weekend in Baltimore City and officials announced last Wednesday that its enforcement will not be led by law enforcement, Emily Hofstaedter reports for WYPR. Instead, city and civilian staff will monitor popular hangout spots and transport young people to curfew centers if they violate the terms.
What are the parameters of the curfew?
The curfew—which governs weekends and holidays up until Labor Day—prohibits 15- and 16-year-olds from being outside without a parent or guardian after 11 p.m. and kids ages 14 and younger after 9 p.m.
Curfew violations come first with a written warning to parents, followed by a $50 fine or family counseling. The third violation could result in a $500 fine for parents or a community service requirement.
To help enforce the curfew, trauma-informed city staff will supervise neighborhoods such as the Inner Harbor, Fells Point, and Federal Hill and will ensure teens head home or coordinate transportation via school vans to one of the two Youth Connection centers while they wait for a parent or guardian. Staff will call the department of social services if parents can’t be contacted. Kids will be screened for weapons before entering the centers.
Anything else I should know?
The Youth Connection Centers are located at the Jackson Recreation Center, 4910 Park Heights Ave., and the Rita R. Church Community Center, 2101 St. Lo Dr..
You can read more here.
