Thursday, April 25, 2024
The Gatesville City Council voted to continue its juvenile curfew for youths younger than 17, continuing a policy that was originally adopted in May 2008.
The curfew is from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
"This ordinance is beneficial to the city and the police department," said Lt. Cody Lee. "I have been here since 2010 and you look at the ratio of juvenile arrests going down. It's a great tool officers have to get (youths) home, and to tell parents if (the juveniles) are out again, it can result in a ticket.
"This (curfew) is helpful to us. Without it we would have no control (of children being out unaccompanied by adults). I personally feel juvenile crime would skyrocket if the juvenile curfew was not in effect. It helps whether we use it to write citations and warnings or as a tool."
Mayor Gary Chumley said the curfew has worked well over the past 14 years.
"Initially there were a lot of concerns by youths and parents, but I have not heard a single complaint since we've implemented it," he said. Chumley noted that youth who are working or involved in school events are exempt from the curfew during those circumstances.
Council member Barbara Burrow said she also believes the curfew has been effective.
"I appreciate the impact it's had," she said.
"It's very valuable to us — very beneficial," Lee added.
The Council unanimously voted to continue the curfew, with the exception of Council member John Westbrook, who was not at that meeting.
