Council members press for data, regional coordination and safeguards in curfew debate

During 15‑minute rounds, committee members questioned the chief and deputy mayor about the criteria used to designate juvenile curfew zones, how MPD collected social‑media intelligence and the role of federal partners. Chair Brooke Pinto repeatedly pressed for details on implementation and notice. "As we consider extending this for another 90 days, I think that will be an important component to ensure this is a local law that will be implemented by only our local officers," Pinto said.

Councilmember Trajan White emphasized pairing enforcement with investments and safeguards: "Any curfew tool that we use and authorize must be bounded, transparent and paired with investments that reduce risk at the source." Councilmember Zachary Parker said he remained skeptical of a permanent curfew and urged the committee to use any short extension to invest in prevention programs. Councilmember Christina Henderson criticized repeated emergency measures that bypass broader public process and said she would want a robust community notice plan before acting on permanence.

Members asked the chief to produce more granular data on contacts, weapons encountered and whether federal officers took active enforcement roles in curfew zones; the chief said she would follow up. The committee also discussed the ANC petition process: the law allows ANCs or Main Street organizations to request a zone designation; Chief Smith said ANCs did petition this summer and that no requests were denied.

No decision was made; members requested written follow-up and additional data from MPD before considering whether to reauthorize the emergency measure for 90 days.