Council considering three-year teen curfew extension

Published on November 17, 2022

Although few citations are issued, the Fort Worth Police Department wants to extend the City’s teen curfew ordinance another term.

State statute requires a review and council action every three years. Public hearings on the proposed extension are scheduled for the Nov. 29 and Dec. 13 council meetings. A vote will follow at the Jan. 10, 2023, meeting.

Minors age 17 and under are not allowed in Fort Worth public places 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and midnight to 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Police issued 120 curfew citations in the last three years, with the most – 72 – coming in 2020, and primarily to 15- and 16-year-olds, according to a recent report. Violations carry a fine of $500 for the minor, a parent or guardian who allows the teen to break curfew.

Fort Worth police say the curfew is a good tool to address juvenile-related issues. Fort Worth instituted the ordinance in 1994.

Research has shown that curfews reduce juvenile arrests and young people becoming crime victims.

 

 

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