Youngstown mayor reminds parents, juveniles about summer curfew
The mayor of Youngstown, chief of police and community safety advocates hosted a press conference on July 14 to remind residents about the ongoing city curfew for minors during the summer.
City of Youngstown Mayor Jamael Tito Brown and chief of Police Carl Davis said there’s always been a curfew in place, but it’s up to parents and guardians to know where their kids are at.
The curfew prohibits juveniles 17 years old and younger from being in city limits without parent or guardian supervision between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Officials said over the weekend, officers interviewed a minor for curfew violation around 11:30 p.m.
“If something happens, this young person can be an innocent bystander, and so it is paramount that parents be involved in this process,” Chief Davis said. “This is intended to safeguard the well-being of our young people and to reduce juvenile crime within our city, but most important, parents are going to have to step up and take an active role in knowing their children’s whereabouts and activity during these curfew hours.”
He said the Youngstown Police Department remains committed to providing resources and support to families to help them comply with the curfew.
Gina DeGenova works with Judge Theresa Dellick in the Mahoning County Juvenile Court.
She said the court’s chief probation officer conducts night visits during the summer for individuals who are on probation.
“If you are not at home during the curfew period, that could have an impact on your probation,” she said. “We have assistance that can help parents who are struggling”
DeGenova reminded parents of an old saying: Nothing good goes on after 11 o’clock.
“When you’re at home and you’re where you’re supposed to be, you’re not out being subjected to becoming a victim of crime or getting involved in crime where you become an offender, and then something more serious happens,” she said. “I commend Youngstown, and the juvenile court, we are here, and we want to work hand in hand in helping these juveniles get where they’re supposed to be and stay where they are safe.”
Guy Burney works with the city of Youngstown’s collaborative effort called the Community Initiative to Reduce Violence.
“Our team will be driving with officers to intervene when we have to,” Burney said. “Even though they may not be getting themselves into trouble, if they are with the wrong people, it could cause havoc in your family. This is the opportunity that we have to continue to try to keep our new safe somewhere.”
