A curfew for 16- and 17-year olds may be put into effect in the city of Lockport to be consistent with New York State’s “raise the age” standards.
As the city code stands now, youths younger than 16 years may not “loiter, wander, stroll, play or remain in or upon any public place … between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.”
Violation of curfew results in a citation for the minor’s parent(s).
According to Police Chief Steven Abbott, because 16- and 17-year olds are now considered juveniles by the state, it would be prudent to include them with other minors in the city code.
“It’s in very preliminary stages,” Abbott said.
Abbott was approached by 5th Ward Alderman Margaret Lupo a couple of weeks ago.
Lupo said she heard about juvenile mischief in the North End and thought that should be addressed. She raised the possibility of amending the curfew at the Common Council’s Wednesday work session.
“You’re 17 and you’re out causing trouble in the community and you’re out past curfew which is 11 p.m. — your parent can get a ticket. That’s what I want,” Lupo said.
In separate interviews, Abbott and Lupo were both quick to say that all teenagers should not be painted with the same brush.
Some 16- and 17-year olds may be coming home from work after 11 p.m., Abbott observed.
“It’s not meant to stifle working (teens) who might be saving up for college. That’s why the language of the law is important,” he said.
Abbott recommended that, if the local law is amended, it should specify that curfew enforcement occurs only in the event of a reported problem after 11 p.m. — excessive noise, fighting or criminal mischief, for example. A police officer who responds to a complaint would determine whether minors at the scene are violating curfew.
“The officer could bring them to the station for their parents to pick them up, or bring them to their house, and give the parents a citation,” he said.
Abbott said he’s not aware of any recent increase in petty crimes attributable to minors, but he noted curfew violations can come in waves. He pointed to last year’s rash of vehicle break-ins, many of which he said were perpetrated by juveniles.
Lupo plans to bring a proposed change in the curfew law to the council’s public health and safety committee, whose next meeting is slated for 2 p.m. May 15 in the first-floor conference room at city hall.
“Maybe if we give the guardian or parent some incentive to keep a better eye on these kids, it may help,” she said.