NCJ Number
159571
Date Published
1994
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This training document provides background information to help police personnel administer existing juvenile curfew laws in a fair and reasonable manager and help law enforcement administrators provide informed opinion to local legislative bodies considering such ordinances.
Abstract
The guide explains the legal issues that should be considered before a law is enacted. These include due process, equal protection of the laws, freedom of speech and assembly, parental rights, penalties for parents, scope and vagueness, the government interest, and interference with juveniles' lawful activities. To avoid being overturned in court, a law should expressly identify the local problems resulting from unrestricted nighttime juvenile activity, specify the purposes for which the curfew is enacted, define terms, include a severability provision, specify prohibited activities, specify the times during which the curfew is in effect, specify the affected group, and provide reasonable exceptions. Police executives must establish proper departmental policies and procedures for dealing with violations, ensure that all officers are fully trained, and ensure that policies and procedures are consistently followed and fairly enforced. Proper reporting and recordkeeping concerning curfew violations are also essential for administrative, operational, statistical, and legal purposes. Notes and multiple choice questions and answers