With kids out of school and enjoying their summer vacations, the last thing anyone wants it to get in trouble with law enforcement.
Smithfield Police say that’s why they want to remind parents and their children about the town’s Juvenile Curfew City Ordinance.
The ordinance prevents those under the age of 18 from being at any public place or establishment within the Town of Smithfield from 11:31 pm to 5:00 am.
In order to be exempt from the Juvenile Curfew City Ordinance a teen must be accompanied by a parent, leaving work, have a note from a parent or guardian containing an explanation for the curfew breach, attending school, or participating in a religious event.
Enforcement procedures vary and can include written warnings, a ride home in a police car, or a visit to the police department.
In August 2010, the Smithfield Town Council approved the ordinance in a 5-to-2 vote. Five people spoke in favor of the curfew while three were opposed. Opponents to the curfew feel like it is a waste of police officers time, it is difficult to enforce, and punishes all children. But proponents believe the ordinance is another tool to keep juveniles off the streets late at night.
While Smithfield accounts for only eight percent of the county’s population, 30 percent of all juvenile arrests made in 2009 were in Smithfield.
For more information contact the Smithfield Police Department at 919-934-2121.
