A Safer Community For Our Youth

An Update On The Curfew Law Enforcement From County Executive Angela Alsobrooks

By Angela Alsobrooks

Alsobrooks

As you may have heard, during last week’s press conference I announced that we are enforcing an existing curfew law for youth ages 16 and under for at least 30 days, which took effect Friday, September 9. This measure is being put in place to protect our children and engage parents and family members in their safety and wellbeing as we continue to see a rise in violent crime, especially among juveniles.

Youth need to be at home on weeknights (Sunday-Thursday) from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM and on weekends (Friday and Saturday) from 11:59 PM to 5:00 AM. Our police officers are focused on education first. If youth are in public spaces during curfew hours, police will educate them on the curfew and tell them to go home and notify a parent/guardian.

While I understand that there will be people who disagree with a curfew, I am responding to the residents of Prince George’s County who have asked what more can be done to protect their children. Our County is 84% Black and brown, which means we are working to protect children of color, including those who have been victims of violent crime at the hands of other children.

I live here, I’ve raised my child here, I’ve grown up here, and I know the people I represent. I stand in solidarity with these parents, who have expressed their gratitude for the measures we are taking to try to protect the lives of their children and families. 

Ultimately, the point of this is to protect our kids. There’s an African Proverb that says, “The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.” At this point, we need the village to step in. We need everyone at the table embracing these kids, and ultimately holding them accountable.

Original Source: Angela’s Update, September 13, 2022