Night Time Juvenile Curfew Under Consideration
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A much debated topic is on its way to the Jackson City Council for another vote. The night time juvenile curfew ordinance was submitted for consideration at the January 3, 2012 meeting of the Jackson City Council. The ordinance was reintroduced by Councilman Scott Conger. In March 2010, council members voted against the measure 5-3. However, after the May 2011 election, several council seats changed hands. “I felt at that time the council didn’t see the entire big picture. I feel like it’s a city safety issue,” Conger said. The curfew ordinance would require minors 16 and under to not be in a public place without an authorized adult between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on weekdays. On weekends, the curfew is from 11:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. For minors between 17 and 18 years old, the times are 11:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. On weekends, the curfew is from 12:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m. Several exceptions are listed in the proposed ordinance, including ones for juveniles who are at work and emergencies. Conger said, after conversations with the Jackson Police Department’s Gang Unit, he believes the curfew could be a great way to prevent and solve crime. “We discussed potential tools to prevent crime and maybe build profiles and they suggested that night time curfew be one of those tools,” Conger said. “And I felt it was time to fulfill my campaign promise and re-present that.” If a teen is caught out past the curfew, police would be able to issue a citation and notify the minor’s parent or guardian or take the teen to juvenile detention if necessary. After the first offense, Madison County Juvenile Court will be able to issue a $50.00 fine for each subsequent violation of the curfew. We have uploaded the proposal in PDF format. To view it Click Here
