Chesterfield County Council tables emergency juvenile curfew, approves first reading by title only

Chesterfield County Council on Oct. 24 voted to table an emergency ordinance that would have immediately established juvenile curfew hours and approved first reading by title only so the council and a task force can refine the ordinance language and hold community outreach.

The Judicial Committee had recommended an emergency juvenile curfew after meetings with law enforcement, school officials and community members, but council members and the school superintendent urged more public education and consistent municipal alignment before immediate enforcement. ‘‘We need to take our time to make sure we get this right and make sure we give people an opportunity to talk,’’ Dr. Chris Ballinger, the school superintendent, said during the committee report.

Sheriff Campbell Streeter, who participated in the task force, flagged drafting issues and enforcement concerns in the proposed ordinance, particularly a proposed exception in the parent/guardian definition that would permit an ‘‘at least 18 years of age’’ authorized person to care for a juvenile during curfew hours. ‘‘I have a problem with that personally because I think it's gonna put a burden on the deputies out there that are trying to enforce this,’’ the sheriff said, urging removal of the 7(b) exception and corrections to subsection numbering for defenses.

Councilman Eddie Kirkley moved to table the emergency ordinance; Ms. Burns seconded. Council then voted by show of hands to table the emergency ordinance (members counted five in favor). After tabling the emergency measure, Kirkley moved and a second carried to approve first reading by title only for the curfew ordinance so the council may hold public hearings and revise the draft ahead of subsequent readings.

Supporters of immediate action — including some clergy and law enforcement representatives — said an emergency ordinance would provide deputies with a discretionary enforcement tool and send a countywide signal that officials intend to address late-night violence. Opponents and several municipal representatives urged additional community meetings and a coordinated public-education campaign, noting municipalities’ existing curfew ordinances use inconsistent ages and time windows.

The council directed continued work by the task force, asked staff and the schools to lead evening town-hall meetings and a media campaign, and scheduled further consideration at the usual second-reading and public-hearing stages. No emergency enforcement began; the first-reading approval by title preserves the council's option to adopt a permanent ordinance after additional public input and legal drafting.