Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on a Curfew Ordinance, Article VIII, Chapter 70, "Curfew Hours for Minors"
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Safe & Secure Community
MEETING DATE: May 18, 2021
DEPARTMENT: Police Department
CONTACT: Greg Conley, Chief of Police
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
* Approve Ordinance
ITEM SUMMARY:
* The former curfew ordinance expires on May 15, 2021. The ordinance must be renewed every three years as required by Texas Local Government Code, Section 370.002.
* The intent of the curfew ordinance is to decrease juvenile violence, juvenile gang activity and crimes committed by persons under the age of 17.
* Persons under the age of 17 are particularly susceptible to participate in unlawful and gang activities, and to be victims of older perpetrators of crime due to their lack of maturity and experience.
* Having a curfew ordinance assists the Police Department in protecting minors from each other and older persons, to enforce parental control and responsibility for children, in the protection of the general public and to reduce the incidents of juvenile criminal activities.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
* The previous ordinance was adopted on May 18, 2018.
* This ordinance continues the curfew hours between 11:00 p.m. on any Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday until 6:00 a.m. the following day; and 12:01 a.m. until 6:00 a.m. on any Saturday and Sunday.
* A violation of the ordinance occurs if:
(1) a minor remains in a public place during curfew hours,
(2) a parent or guardian of a minor allows a minor to remain in a public place during curfew hours, or
(3) an establishment allows a minor to remain on the premises of an establishment during curfew hours.
* There are several defenses to prosecution (exceptions) for the minor:
(1) They are accompanied by a parent or guardian or another adult approved by the parent or guardian.
(2) They are on an errand for the parent or guardian, without a detour or stop.
(3) In a motor vehicle ...
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