Cincinnati recently implemented a new curfew for everyone under the age of 18. The curfew began Aug. 15 to keep minors safe and prevent late-night incidents. The new city-wide curfew requires minors to be at home by 11 p.m. unless a parent or legal guardian is with them. In specific parts of the city, like Over-the-Rhine, the curfew starts at 9 p.m. because of higher crime rates and suspicious activity.
Mayor Aftab Pureval said the new curfew is an “essential part of Cincinnati’s ongoing strategies to keep our children safe.” The main goal for this curfew is to get children home safely and is not an intended punishment.
There are a few exceptions to this curfew, such as minors traveling to and from work, minors running errands for a legal guardian or parent, or the need for emergency services. Other exceptions include participating in and traveling to and from school, religious, or city-sponsored events, or being out with a legal guardian or parent.
The Cincinnati Police Department (CPD) will start with warnings if they see a minor out past curfew. If the minor doesn’t go home, the CPD will try to get a hold of the minor’s legal guardian or parent. If the CPD isn’t able to get a hold of the minor’s guardian, the minor will then be taken to Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses, where staff will work to make sure the minor’s parents are notified. If the CPD still has not made contact with the minor’s guardian or parent, the CPD will transport the minor to Lighthouse Youth & Family Services, where the minor will be given a place to stay for the night. If the minor is already facing other charges, the CPD will transport the minor to the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center.
This curfew can affect many, especially students who participate in clubs or sports that are not associated with school or religious activities. Parents will also have to adjust their schedules to make sure their kids follow the new law.
Local OHLSD parent, Randy Blaker, says the new curfew is “beneficial” and it is a good idea for minors to “be inside at a certain time, because they are less likely to get into trouble or do anything harmful.” Blaker finished by saying, “But it’s more for the safety of the kids than it is for kids getting into trouble. Minors don’t need to be around adults who are doing suspicious or illegal activities, especially in the Over-The-Rhine district.”
City officials and leaders said they will be watching the curfew closely to see how it affects everyone’s safety. For now, minors will have to be aware of the times they need to be inside and how they can plan ahead.
