NCJ Number
169022
Date Published
1996
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This analysis of curfew programs and their impacts concludes that Sunnyvale, Calif. should not proceed with a curfew ordinance unless it includes the resources to enforce it in an equitable way and the resources to provide the follow-up support for family intervention.
Abstract
Sunnyvale's current curfew ordinance does not pass today's constitutional tests and lacks much of the specificity required to make it enforceable. The two main reasons for a youth curfew are juvenile delinquency prevention and the prevention of juvenile victimization. However, no reliable studies indicate that curfews accomplish these two goals. Cities that have implemented promising curfew programs use a coordinated, comprehensive, community-wide effort that brings together law enforcement, the judiciary, and juvenile probation and recreation, medical, education, religious, and other social services. These programs have required significant resources; the results have not yet been validated. No indication exists that a curfew would demonstrably improve Sunnyvale's Police Services Program Outcomes. In addition, the cost of implementing a comprehensive curfew program would be significant. Therefore staff recommends a repeal the current outdated and unenforceable curfew ordinance. If the Council decides to develop a new ordinance, staff recommends a process for community input. Appended background information