Canton opts for earlier weekend curfew amid spike in teen violence

CANTON – Taking aim at the recent spike in teen violence, City Council on Monday approved an earlier 11 p.m. weekend curfew for anyone under 18. The law will take effect in 30 days. Until then, Canton Police Chief John Gabbard said increased enforcement would start this week for the current curfew — 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 12:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights. Exceptions remain for minors who are with their parents or guardians, out for work or attending a school event.

Gabbard cited juvenile arrests that are about double the previous twoyear average and an 8 percentage point increase in juveniles arrested for firearm charges this year. “We want to set the tone for the summer,” he said during his presentation to a council committee before the regular meeting.

Members decided to add the ordinance to the evening’s agenda and vote on it the same night since ordinance changes can be subject to a referendum and can’t take effect for 30 days. Councilman Greg Hawk, D-1, was the only council member absent, and the 11 members in attendance voted in favor of the measure.

Most of the discussion occurred during the committee meeting. Councilman Kevin D. Hall, D-6, asked if the curfew would be enforced and noted that killings have occurred before 8 p.m. He also suggested the city consider some sort of non-uniformed youth liaison. “In my opinion, a youth development person would help the city immensely,” he said.

Law Director Kristen Bates Aylward said a curfew violation would be an “unruly child” charge, which is not a criminal offense for juveniles. However, their parents could potentially face minor misdemeanor charges.

Gabbard said five to six special investigation unit detectives will enforce the curfew. He said the goal is to “inconvenience mom and dad” by making them pick up their children at the Police Department. Asked what would happen if their parents could not be reached, Gabbard said he would consider the child’s inability to reach any relative or guardian as a sign they need additional resources. “I would call CPS (Child Protective Services),” he said.