Politics
Push for Chicago Teen Curfew to Control Large Gatherings Faces Uncertain Future
Some City Council members are making another attempt to implement a teen curfew after a youth gathering turned deadly last month.
Instead of allowing police to impose so-called “snap” curfews just 30 minutes in advance, a new plan calls for more lead time before dispersing large crowds.
A “time and site” curfew would give the Chicago Police Department authority to issue a curfew of up to four hours with a minimum of 12 hours notice in a geographic area.
“We have many sources that tell us when one of these teen gatherings is being planned,” said Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd Ward), who introduced the new measure earlier this month. “When we find out, we need to use every tool in the toolbox to convince them to actually not do it. This would allow us plenty of time in advance.to work with the Chicago Public Schools, the violence interrupters, the counselors, the faith communities that are on the ground and tell them, ‘Don’t let your teen show up for this event. We’re going to enforce a curfew if they do,’ and the event is not going to happen with that much notice.”
The new proposal would only require Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling to consult with Deputy Mayor for Community Safety Garien Gatewood before declaring the curfew.
A large holiday gathering in the Loop on Nov. 21 where gunshots rang out left 14-year-old Armani Floyd dead and eight others were hurt, renewing concerns about so-called “teen takeovers” and safety downtown.
Ald. William Hall (6th Ward), a co-sponsor of the ordinance, said social media platforms promoting large gatherings are also to blame.
“I think that is irresponsible if we’re not protecting our children,” Hall said. “This is simply a measure to make sure that we don’t see another 14- year-old boy or girl laid in a casket simply because they were at the wrong place at the wrong time. Kids are going to be kids. We want them to go outside. We want them to see the city, but we want it to be done safely.”
Mayor Brandon Johnson vetoed a previous curfew proposal also introduced by Hopkins earlier this year.
A parliamentary procedure by Ald. Jason Ervin (28th Ward) on Dec. 10 prevented an immediate committee hearing and vote on the proposal.
