From
Fred Bates, Jr.
Title
Public hearing to receive citizen input regarding the renewal of the City's Juvenile Curfew Ordinance and Renewal of Juvenile Curfew Section 17-45 of the Code of Ordinances
Presenter
Steve Dye, Chief of Police / Deputy City Manager
Recommended Action
Approve
Analysis
Every three years the City Council shall review the curfew ordinance; conduct a public hearing on the need to continue the ordinance; and abolish, continue or modify the ordinance. The Police Department believes the current curfew ordinance, as written, meets the needs of the City and the community. It is used as an effective tool to both reduce juvenile victimization and investigate criminal activity of juvenile offenders. The purpose of the curfew ordinance is to prevent juveniles from committing crimes or becoming victims of crime.
Initial research into a juvenile ordinance for the City of Grand Prairie began in 1991. The ordinance was subsequently delayed until a lawsuit, challenging the constitutionality of the ordinance involving the City of Dallas, was resolved. After the Supreme Court upheld the validity of the Dallas Ordinance, a curfew ordinance was passed by the Grand Prairie City Council on May 17, 1994 for a trial period of six months. After the trial period and on November 15, 1994, a curfew ordinance for the City of Grand Prairie became effective and must be renewed every three years.
The curfew is in effect from 11:00 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday until 6:00 a.m. the following day and from 12:01 a.m. until 6:00 a.m. any Saturday or Sunday. Violations of the ordinance include:
· When a minor remains in any public place or on the premises of any establishment within the city during curfew hours
· When a parent or guardian of a minor knowingly permits the minor to violate the curfew ordinance
· When an owner, operator, or any employee of an establishment knowingly allows a minor to remain at the establishment during curfew hours
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