May 2005 Newsletter
Newsletter Article
May 2005
Do you know where your kids are?
It’s been a while since the issue of curfew for juveniles has been addressed here, so a reminder is in order. All parents and kids should know that there is a curfew ordinance in effect in Pleasant Grove and Lindon cities for all persons below the age of eighteen. That curfew is 11:00 pm.
Finally, spring is here and the kids are outside and active sometimes until late at night. Neighborhood kids are riding bikes and playing games, older kids with cars will travel around the city as they visit friends, go to work or simply drive around listening to music. These activities are fun, and are a part of growing up. For the vast majority of our youth, there are never any problems caused and the warm summer months are a special time in their youth, full of fun and friends. It serves to remind us that the youth of our cities are amazing people as they show us everyday that they will be the next great generation of adults.
Unfortunately as in most things, there are always a few for whom innocent fun is not enough. In some instances when there has been too much freedom given, where there has been no supervision and no consequences, problems have occurred as kids who are out late at night in the city have become involved in crime, alcohol, drugs or sex.
For several reasons, the city curfew ordinance has been put in place. First in everyone’s minds is the safety of our children. More serious traffic accidents occur late at night involving teenagers, and there are many more impaired drivers out there on the streets. Alcohol and drug parties traditionally occur in the late evenings, and unsupervised kids are far more likely to recreationally use these illegal substances. In fact kids are much more likely to get in trouble in any number of ways when they are outside of the influence of you, their parent or guardian.
There are certain exceptions to the curfew ordinance. First is if the juvenile is out because they are going to or coming from work. They are also exempt if they are involved in an organized civic or religious activity, if they are involved in a verifiable emergency errand or if they are in the company of their parent or legal guardian.
Juveniles who are contacted by officers after the curfew hours may be detained and their parents, (that’s you), will be contacted to come and get them. They will then be held until you arrive to take custody of them. A violation of the curfew ordinance is a criminal offense and juveniles may also be cited to either Youth Court or Juvenile Court.
Please assist us in protecting our young people and in having a safer summer through recognizing and following the curfew ordinance.
Captain Cody Cullimore
Pleasant Grove/Lindon Police Department
|
