Little Rock board adopts emergency juvenile curfew through Sept. 8
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Summary
The Little Rock Board of Directors adopted an emergency juvenile curfew ordinance (10 p.m.–5 a.m.) that will remain in place through Sept. 8, 2026; police and the mayor said the measure aims to reduce youth congregations and related incidents while staff compile comparative data on impacts.
The Little Rock Board of Directors voted by voice to adopt an emergency juvenile-curfew ordinance that sets prohibited hours from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and remains in effect through Sept. 8, 2026. The board added an emergency clause to make the ordinance effective on passage.
Chief Dyer of the Little Rock Police Department told the board the curfew is intended to reduce large juvenile gatherings that have led to policing burdens and, in some cases, violence. “This time last year, we had 20 homicides at this point last year. This year, we have 5,” Chief Dyer said, citing year-over-year comparisons as part of the department’s measure of the curfew’s effectiveness. He described the curfew as one tool among many for preventing incidents and said officers would exercise discretion in routine situations: if a juvenile can show they were leaving work, for example, they likely will not receive a citation.
The ordinance authorizes citations for juveniles found in violation; Chief Dyer explained that citations typically require a parent or guardian be present when the juvenile is released and that juvenile-court outcomes vary. He said some cases are dismissed on first offenses while more serious incidents can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Board members pressed for specific metrics to demonstrate the curfew’s impact. Director Miller asked for comparative crime and juvenile-citation data; Chief Dyer agreed staff could prepare a “2 year picture” comparing the most recent summer to prior years so the board can evaluate whether to make the curfew a recurring measure.
Mayor Frank Scott Jr. framed the curfew as part of a broader summer strategy that includes expanded community programming, youth employment and recreation options. He said the city has been preparing a summer rollout with community programs, parks, police and other partners and that the curfew complements—not replaces—those programs.
Next steps: staff agreed to compile comparative statistics and report back; the curfew is effective immediately under the emergency clause and will remain in force until the date specified in the ordinance unless the board amends it.
