Dearborn is tightening things up for Fourth of July weekend, putting a temporary youth curfew in place and flooding the streets with extra police patrols. Under the order, anyone under 17 has to be off public streets by 10 p.m. next Friday and next Saturday unless they are with an adult. Police say juveniles found loitering will be detained, and parents could end up with citations.
What police announced
In a written statement, Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin said, "As a community, we must ensure holiday activities do not result in tragic outcomes for local families, neighbors, and first responders," according to CBS News Detroit. The department says the special curfew and boost in patrols are aimed at cutting down on dangerous fireworks use and keeping first responders safe during the busiest nights of the holiday.
Fireworks rules and penalties
City officials are also reminding residents that consumer fireworks are only allowed on private property between 11 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. from next Monday through next Saturday, and that debris and smoke must stay on that same property, per the City of Dearborn. Fireworks cannot be set off on public property at all. Break the rules, and you are looking at fines, a possible date in court, and even potential jail time.
What prompted the move
Officials are not acting on a hunch. They point to recent dangerous run-ins, including dashcam video showing fireworks launched at officers and a single night when police handled more than 200 fireworks-related calls, according to WXYZ. Corporal Dan Bartok told the station that officers suffered minor injuries and patrol vehicles were damaged in at least one of those encounters.
How enforcement will work
Police say juveniles found loitering or otherwise violating the temporary curfew will be detained and taken to the police station, and that parents or guardians may receive citations if their kids ignore the order, according to CBS News Detroit. Extra officers are being assigned to high-call areas on the nights of next Friday and next Saturday so they can respond quickly to dangerous fireworks use and related disturbances.
How residents can stay safe
Officials say the safest option is to stick to professional fireworks shows or keep celebrations calm at home, keep an eye on young people, and call police to report illegal fireworks or hazards instead of trying to break up groups on your own. The city is explicitly urging parents and guardians to know where their children are, who they are with, and what they are doing over the holiday, according to the City of Dearborn.
