Fayetteville Introduces Curfew to Tackle Youth Crime

In response to escalating youth violence, Fayetteville, North Carolina, has implemented a citywide curfew for minors. Mayor Mitch Colvin revealed that nearly 2,000 incidents involving minors occurred over a 16-month period. The curfew aims to proactively address this issue by restricting minors under 16 from public spaces between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., with exceptions for those accompanied by an adult or engaged in specific activities.

Details of the Curfew Ordinance

The ordinance includes exceptions for minors accompanied by parents or guardians, traveling for work, attending supervised events, or participating in religious services. Initially, the city is in an educational phase, informing violators of the new rules. However, future violations could lead to citations and detentions.

Consequences for Violations

Adults responsible for minors violating the curfew may face Class 3 misdemeanor charges and fines up to $500. Mayor Colvin emphasized that repeated violations could result in arrests, underscoring the judicial consequences of non-compliance.

Impact of Recent Incidents

A significant incident that influenced this decision was the shooting of 12-year-old Adrianna Bethea at a carnival. The incident highlighted the urgent need for action, as Bethea remains hospitalized with severe injuries. This tragedy prompted the mayor’s office to propose five safety recommendations, including the curfew.

Community and Council Response

While the Fayetteville City Council adopted all safety measures, council members Deno Hondros and Mario Benavente opposed the curfew. The curfew model is based on similar measures in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Additional Measures and Future Plans

Beyond the curfew, Fayetteville is expanding youth recreational activities and partnerships with mentorship organizations. A new youth basketball program has been introduced, and youth centers are extending their offerings. A new police chief will soon join the department to aid in implementing these measures.