Salisbury PD brings curfew proposal to Council

A proposed curfew aimed at those aged 16 and under was brought to the Salisbury Council on Monday.

Chief Barbara Duncan of the Salisbury Police says it’s mirrored at curfews currently enforced in Baltimore.

The proposal includes children under the age of 14 having to be accompanied by an adult between 9:00 p.m. and 6 a.m. year round. There’s a little more leniency for teens between 14 and 16, with a curfew of 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on week night and 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on weekends and during summer.

Violations the curfew and there would be punishments. A few inconsideration include community service for the teen and a fine of up to five-hundred dollars for their parent or guardian.

The proposal came about after citizens spoke up.

“We’re listening to our residents and business owners who are asking for some type of curfew Legislation to assist the city and neighborhoods and working through the problems.” Says Chief Duncan.

Chief Duncan says in 2014, city police recorded 313 juveniles arrests. According to Chief Duncan, 63 of them happened when the proposed curfew would have been in place.

Council member Laura Mitchell is openly opposed to the proposal and tells us she has researched curfews and finds little evidence in their effectiveness.

“Instituting and enforcing a curfew is extremely expensive, it really has little return for that investment.” Says Mitchell.

Chief Duncan says ultimately, it comes down to a choice.

“Do we continue on the path that we’re moving along which is to have crime happen and have police encounter, investigate and then subsequently arrest these juveniles for committing a specified crime?” Asks Chief Duncan, “Or do we have our police officers looking for individuals in violation of this curfew violation legislation and removing them from that environment?”

The city council says they needs more research before reaching a final decision, and that at least one other meeting will be held.

No word yet on that date.