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Council adopts emergency juvenile-curfew authority with narrowed amendment to limit harms and require notice
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Summary
The Council approved an emergency juvenile-curfew measure granting the mayor and MPD authority to designate limited geographic curfew zones with earlier start times for summer weekends; an amendment raised the start hour to 8 p.m., limited days and increased minimum group size before enforcement.
The Council approved an emergency Juvenile Curfew Amendment Act on July 1, granting the mayor authority to issue orders temporarily extending juvenile curfew hours in limited geographic areas to protect public safety when large groups of juveniles are congregating.
Sponsor Councilmember Brooke Pinto said the tool responds to recent large gatherings in areas such as The Wharf, Navy Yard, U Street and Dupont Circle that included fights and property damage. The emergency measure allows targeted curfew zones to be created after the mayor and chief of police determine an area meets criteria including upticks in calls for service, reports from businesses, and other public-safety indicators.
Councilmember Trayon Parker offered an amendment substantially narrowing enforcement and procedural elements: the amendment raised the earliest curfew start time from the introduced 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.; shortened the maximum number of consecutive days a zone could be in effect from 15 to 4; increased the threshold number of juveniles whose presence could trigger enforcement (the final number landed at eight individuals after discussion); required two audible warnings before a juvenile could be detained; and required MPD to record interactions on body-worn camera. The amendment also clarified that curfew violation is not a crime but may result in transport to DYRS or parental notification; for children under age 12, Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) involvement could follow.
Supporters said the narrowed amendment balanced the need to respond to large, sometimes violent gatherings with protections to avoid criminalizing ordinary youth activity. Critics said curfew enforcement risks disproportionate effects on Black and brown youth and urged increased activity programming as a complementary strategy; several councilmembers emphasized the need to expand recreational and late-night programming for youth.
The emergency declaration and the bill as amended passed by voice vote; the chair announced unanimous support on the declaration and the bill as amended. Sponsors and several members urged strong outreach so families and youth know about available summer programming and the temporary curfew authority.
