The Indianapolis City-County Council's Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee has voted to forward Proposal No. 232, which seeks to amend the county's juvenile curfew laws, to the full council. According to FOX59, the committee gave a do-pass recommendation for the proposal during a meeting held yesterday night at the City-County Building in downtown Indianapolis. The proposal, if passed by the full council, would instate an 11 p.m. curfew on Fridays and Saturdays for 15 to 17-year-olds, a change from the prior 1 a.m. allowance provided by county laws.
The motive behind adjusting the curfew hours comes in the aftermath of a July 4 weekend mass shooting that resulted in two teenage fatalities and the arrest of several others connected to gun-related offenses. According to WTHR, IMPD Chief Chris Bailey endorsed the curfew, expressing his hope during the committee meeting that "those conversations turn to action and not just words." Additionally, under-15-year-olds will face a 9 p.m. curfew under the same proposal.
Along with the curfew times, the proposal outlines certain exemptions allowing juveniles to remain in public past curfew hours for valid reasons such as employment, school events, religious events, among others. The WTHR report also notes the initiative will be reviewed after 120 days, with the option to extend another 120 days based on its effectiveness.
Supporters of the proposal, such as Councilor Leroy Robinson, view the restrictions as additional tools for police and families to ensure the safety of adolescents in the region. Contrasting voices, however, have arisen. Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police President Rick Snyder criticized the lack of punitive measures for young people who skirt curfew, telling WRTV, "Nobody is addressing what the real issue is, which is if they [teens] do the crime, they do no time. There is no accountability, and they fall into a life of crime and violence." The council is expected to vote on the ordinance on Aug. 11.
Concurrently, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department announced the creation of a "safe and secure location" where juveniles found in violation of the curfew laws can be taken to connect with their families and access support services. The specifics of these services and the location of the facility have not been disclosed. According to details provided by FOX59, the police will also be filing copies of complaints against juveniles who violate the curfew laws to both the Juvenile Division of the Marion Superior Court and the child’s parent or guardian. Additionally, the details of the measure include potential fines for parents of curfew-breaking children, as highlighted in discussions during the public safety meeting.
