Spring Break is here, the Dallas Police Department wants to remind parents of the Dallas Juvenile Curfew Ordinance.  The curfew, which has been enforced since 1994, applies to all juveniles under age 17, parents or guardians who knowingly permit or allow a minor to remain in a public place during curfew hours and business owners/operators who knowingly allow a minor to remain on their premises during curfew hours.

The ordinance applies to juveniles under the age of 17 who are in a public place from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 12:01 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Juveniles found in violation of the curfew will be detained by officers until properly identified, then either released to a guardian or parent or transported to the Letot Center which is a co-educational facility where the staff provides crisis intervention, emergency shelter, and counseling for runaway youth.

Nighttime curfew hour exceptions include:

•  Accompanied by a parent/guardian.
•  On an errand at the direction of the minor’s parent/guardian.
•  Engaged in or going to or from an employment activity.
•  Involved in an emergency.
•  On a sidewalk abutting the minor’s residence.
• Attending, going to, or from an official school/religious activity.

The Dallas Police Department’s continued enforcement of the Juvenile Curfew Ordinance has helped to reduce overall crime committed by juvenile offenders and decreased the number of juvenile victims of violent crimes.  Dallas police officers will be actively enforcing this ordinance during the coming weeks, and throughout the year.  Parents are encouraged to have their children adhere to this ordinance and to know where they are at all times.

BEM/mg