CPD's New Curfew Strategy

By Sean Stillmaker in News on May 29, 2010 2:45PM

A new strategy is being tested this summer with curfew violators. Instead of taking teens to police stations and giving citations they'll be transported to park district fieldhouses. The minors will be supervised by police officers currently assigned to desk duty and will remain at the locations until a parent picks them up. If a parent cannot be reached then the minors will be taken to the police station. "We just think it's a better place for them to be held. It's not as intimidating," Police Superintendent Jody Weis told the Sun Times. Previously, hefty fines were imposed on parents for curfew violations.

The pilot program starts today and is being tested in the 3rd, 7th and 10th districts. Minors will be taken to Harris Park, 6200 S. Drexel Blvd, Ogden Park, 6500 S. Racine and Piotrowsky Park, 4247 W. 31st St. If successful the program will expand to the other districts. The current curfew law is 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 p.m. on Sunday.