With school out for the summer more kids are staying out later. Local law enforcement want to remind kids and their parents that curfew laws are in place year round.
Most cities have curfew laws or follow the guidelines set by the state. In Indiana that’s between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. for kids under 15, and those under 18 during the week. On weekend nights 15 to 17 year olds can be out until 1 a.m.
In Michigan curfew is between midnight and 6 a.m. for anyone under 18, though some places, like St. Joe, have stricter policies.
South Bend Police Department spokesperson Ken Garcia said more curfew violations happen in the summer.
“Obviously in the summer with kids not having school nights they’re going to be out wanting to have fun and enjoy themselves and this is really just a reminder to parents that they need to keep an eye on where their children are.”
Garcia said the department does regular sweeps. Kids found out past curfew are brought back to their parents. Repeat offenses could lead to fines.
He says the goal is to keep kids from being the witness, victim or perpetrator of a crime, as data show more crimes happen at night.