DeKalb’s juvenile curfew will be strictly enforced during Spring Break

Parents and guardians are reminded that DeKalb County authorities will enforce the curfew for juveniles during Spring Break. Juveniles who live in DeKalb County must be home between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m.

The curfew ordinance was approved by the DeKalb Board of Commissioners on Sept. 24, 2013.
District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson in conjunction with former Safety Director Cedric Alexander proposed the ordinance as a means to prevent juvenile crime, reduce juvenile victimization, promote parental supervision and provide for the wellbeing of the general public.

“DeKalb did not have a juvenile curfew ordinance and had been utilizing several state statutes to address the issue of juveniles loitering.  The ordinance gives the police department the ability to enforce the codes without having to refer to several different sections of the state statutes,” said Johnson.
Although the Juvenile Curfew Ordinance imposes a curfew, it allows exceptions for young people who are working, returning home from a school or religious event and/or are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

“This ordinance is not intended to make criminals of our youth, the purpose is to aid our officers in addressing juvenile loitering and safeguard our youth so that they do not become victims of crime,” added Johnson.