Newark postpones curfew that was set to begin Friday for kids under age 18
NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- A controversial new curfew in Newark that was set to go into effect on Friday evening has been temporarily postponed.
The Newark mayor's office said it is canceled, for now, and officials will speak next week on a comprehensive plan to keep kids and families safe for the summer.
"This ordinance was enacted in the City of Newark decades ago and has been rolled out annually since its inception," Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said. "We are once again enforcing an ordinance that already exists and will hold a press conference to explain details of this youth safety measure and other programs to ensure summertime safety and enjoyment."
Baraka and Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé announced earlier in the week that beginning Friday, Newark Police would launch its Juvenile Safety Initiative.
It meant kids would need to remain within 100 yards of their homes between 11 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.
After the first violation, the minor would get a verbal warning and be taken home. After more violations, the child would be taken to a youth crisis facility and be released to a guardian.
An even stiffer penalty is that parents would be reported to Children and Family Services.
It is not yet clear why the curfew initiative was canceled.
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