Jackson council adopts daytime curfew ordinance with school-day exceptions

The Jackson City Council on Sept. 23 adopted an ordinance reenacting Jackson Code of Ordinances Article 2, Sections 86-51 through 86-62, establishing daytime and evening curfews for minors and authorizing enforcement by city police.

Councilman Kenneth Stokes, who led debate in favor of the measure, said the curfew is intended to "keep these young people off the streets during school hours," noting the aim is to reduce recruitment of minors into criminal activity. The council approved an amendment by Councilman Hartley that clarified the daytime curfew (07:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) would not apply on days when students are not required to attend school — including weekends, scheduled holidays, teacher in-service days, inclement-weather closures and official school breaks "as determined by the calendar of the applicable school district." The evening curfew remains in effect on all days.

Mayor Pro Tem and other council members discussed enforcement logistics and the availability of detention facilities; Stokes suggested using the existing youth detention center for daytime holds. The administration confirmed the ordinance is legally sufficient for adoption. The council voted 7-0 to adopt the ordinance as amended.

Supporters said the ordinance is one tool for addressing juvenile crime and keeping children in school, while opponents in prior discussions urged caution about placement and resources for youth taken into custody. The council did not adopt additional language tying placement or services to the ordinance during the session.

The ordinance takes effect under local procedures; the council directed staff to return with implementation details and guidance for enforcement partners.