NCJ Number
177642
Date Published
1998
Length
30 pages
Annotation
This study analyzed arrest data from jurisdictions throughout California to test the hypothesis that jurisdictions with strict curfew enforcement will experience lower overall and serious-crime arrests than jurisdictions with less strict curfew enforcement.
Abstract
In recent years curfew laws have been cited by public officials and law enforcement authorities as essential elements in reducing juvenile crime in their communities. In order to test this assumption, this study analyzed official California data to compare the relative crime rates of jurisdictions with strict curfew enforcement and jurisdictions with less curfew enforcement. In addition, the study examined the effects of curfew enforcement on specific types of crime and the impact of curfew enforcement on juvenile crime rates relative to adult crime rates. The data analysis provides no basis for the belief that curfew laws are an effective way for communities to prevent youth crime and keep youth safe. On virtually every measure, no discernable effect on juvenile crime was observed. In fact, in many jurisdictions with strict curfew enforcement, serious juvenile crime increased. Based on the current evidence, a crime- reduction strategy based solely on law enforcement intervention has little effect and suggests that solutions are more complex and multifaceted. Future policy and research should focus on the potential crime-reduction effects of prevention strategies that provide a comprehensive array of services, opportunities, and interventions. 8 tables, 12 references, appended news reports on this study, and a case study of curfew failure in Monrovia, Calif.