Curfew set to begin for kids under age 18 in Newark, New Jersey
NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- A controversial new curfew in Newark goes into effect on Friday to keep kids off the streets overnight.
Mayor Ras Baraka and Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé announced that beginning Friday, Newark Police will launch its Juvenile Safety Initiative.
That means kids need to remain within 100 yards of their homes between 11 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.
After the first violation, the minor will get a verbal warning and be taken home. After more violations, the child can be taken to a youth crisis facility and be released to a guardian.
An even stiffer penalty is that parents can be reported to Children and Family Services.
Studies have been conducted over the years that say youth curfews have little to no effect on crime and harm prevention.
However, Ameer Washington is the CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Newark and he says curfews work.
"This isn't a new thing, curfews were in place when I was a kid," Washington said. "It's good and what we believe in here at the Boys and Girls Club of Newark."
City leaders hope family members will buy into the youth curfew.
"The overnight hours are particularly hazardous for children because fewer adult family members and neighbors are outdoors late at night to monitor their safety," Director Fragé said. "While we are implementing increased police presence in all our neighborhoods, we respectfully request that parents and guardians abide by the juvenile curfew ordinance to add an extra layer of safety for their children. We plan to reduce the chances that children become victims of crime or unwittingly become engaged in criminal activity."
Fragé urges parents to abide by this ordinance and asks that anyone with information about any criminal activity call the Department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477). All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.
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