Baltimore teenagers are beneath curfew beginning Memorial Day weekend in an effort to curb gun violence

• Baltimore teenagers are beneath a curfew this summer season in an effort to curb gun violence. 
• The coverage hopes to forestall teenagers from “turning into the victims or perpetrators of violent crime.”
• The police division acquired a memorandum that it could not be implementing a lot of the curfew, WJZ Information stated.

Baltimore teenagers are beneath a curfew this summer season as part of town’s plan to deal with gun violence. 

The curfew started Friday, forward of Memorial Day Weekend, and can final till September 3, 2023, simply days earlier than Labor Day. Based on the mayor’s workplace, the curfew applies to youth ages 16 and beneath, however the coverage’s timing varies primarily based on age group.

Ages 13 and beneath have a 9 p.m. curfew, whereas teenagers from 14-16 have an 11 p.m. curfew on weekends and holidays, in keeping with town’s plan.

Baltimore referred to as the plan “a complete summer season engagement technique” to make sure younger folks “have a secure and fascinating summer season.” Summer season programming and occasions will likely be coordinated across the curfews, town added. 

Final month, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott expanded the curfew’s dates after a number of incidents of violence involving younger folks, together with a capturing over Easter weekend, Baltimore Fishbowl reported.

If youngsters are discovered after hours, they are going to be inspired to go residence or name their dad or mum or guardian earlier than being dropped at one of many metropolis’s two Youth Connection Facilities by non-law enforcement, town’s plan stated. Dad and mom face fines of as much as $500. 

The coverage doesn’t apply to teenagers who’re both accompanied by a dad or mum or authorized guardian, exercising First Modification rights, driving in a motorcar, concerned in an emergency, or working a job or occasion, town stated. 

Based on a police memorandum obtained by WJZ News, officers have been suggested that they might not be concerned in implementing a lot of the curfew. “Enforcement of a juvenile curfew is critical to safeguard and shield our Metropolis’s youth; nevertheless, the enforcement of the curfew will not be meant to result in an pointless enhance in interactions between BPD and the Metropolis’s younger folks,” the paperwork stated.

“That’s the reason a majority of interactions — together with transportation to Youth Connection Facilities — will likely be dealt with by non-BPD Metropolis workers or third-party entities. This goal is in line with the Consent Decree’s aim of lowering youth involvement with the juvenile and felony justice system.”

Police have been additionally advised that they might not cease teenagers or take them into custody solely for a curfew violation, the paperwork added. 

Baltimore started implementing a strict juvenile curfew in 2014, in keeping with WJZ Information. A 2016 coverage replace from the Baltimore Police Division stated the aim of the curfew was “to make sure our kids are given the right sources to forestall them from turning into the victims or perpetrators of violent crime.” This coverage will likely be “up to date and amended to deal with greatest practices and different points which have arisen” lately.