The issue of a curfew has come up again and I think it might be a good start. Granted, crime can happen anywhere, at any time, to any person. But if we can keep our kids off the streets late at night, we will be taking strides to keep the kids safe, or taking kids that may be budding criminals and preventing them from plying their trade late at night.
For anyone under 18, there is really no reason to be out beyond midnight. They can't drink and most other places of business are closed. Maybe the curfew is a good move until we have a handle on crime.
Some of the issues that have been brought up against the curfew include:
- what to do about kids that are working
- what about emergencies
Well, if they are working, maybe they need a paper from their boss? And be honest, any place that is open that late at night most likely has a uniform (think food service) and it would be obvious that they were working. Emergencies? Well, if they have a sick kid in the car and are headed down Jennifer Road---I say give them the benefit of a doubt.
What concerns me is how do you identify a minor? I have frequented a few bars in my time, but some of the kids they are serving can't be older than 12 or 13! I jest, but kids today just look a lot more mature. A 15 year old could very well look like a 21 year old or older. Stopping people to check IDs and call parents is not productive however might be a good task (and more useful) for the seat belt police. But if an officer sees someone walking, hanging out, or with a group, I say let him question them and tell them to move along. Hanging out at your house wiht some friends on the front porch? Sure as long as an adult is nearby.
Kind of boils down to just having a presence. Look at some old police reports and figure out where the kids live and begin the presence in thoise neighborhoods.
What do you think? Curfew...good idea or bad...and why?
Ramble on like me!
6 Comments:
I think it is a good idea. Kids don't need to be out and if they are for a "covered" reason, they ought to have a permission slip. After all they are minors
I have kids. I also have basically adopted the midnight rule for myself, hoping that it'll be one more 'teach by example' lesson I can provide for my children.
However, I would be against a curfew. This is still America and it is still a free country. There are too many politicians, policies and interest groups deciding how other law-abiding citizens should live their lives. With every rule of this nature, we lose freedom. Period.
Instead, get tougher on crime. Quit letting repeat offenders out. Change the state gun laws from 'may issue' to 'shall issue'. Every study has shown crime rates go up when gun ownership and carry permits goes down.
...however, I don't feel the People's Republic of Annapolis or the People's Republic of Maryland would go for being able to protect themselves. They would rather rely on the pathetic excuse for police we have in the area to continue being the 'second responders' (and often the third responders) for their safety. No thanks. I defend my family and myself from criminals.
(By the way- the 'People's Republic' references imply communism, for those of you who didn't get it!)
I agree with the midnight curfew. If your under 18 and working past midnight...fine...but just have a pay-stub in your glove box or in your wallet. Once your over 18 just show your ID and stay out as late as you like. If your under 18 your parents are still responsible for you as a "minor". Sorry lazy parents, you gave birth to them so watch them. If more parents or grandparents or aunties were watching "minors" you all know less crime would be going on late at night. Unless your under the impression that your sweet little hoodlum, age 14, is making the best decisions after midnight every night ! What a great idea...lets have an Annapolis contest "Best contribution made to the city of Annapolis after midnight". Im sure we would have a lot of proud parents stepping up. ( my little BOBO steals cars,my little Tina strips for cash, my little Jose drinks, my little John does crack) What a line up. I take it back let them stay out all night maybe they will start picking up litter, planting trees, and catching up on SAT skills. Wake up! Peace out, Brandy age 28
There are many places that have a curfew--the Jersey shore is one of them. It does help. Really, what does an under 18 kid have to do after midnight other than possibly work? Given enough time he will either be a victim or a culprit.
But you are right BRandy---lazy ass parents need to do something. Be a part of your kid's life and mentor them! It is NOT the polices job and it is not the schools job. ITS YOUR JOB
Sorry, curfews are simply no fair. It's the classic punish-everyone-because-of-a-few-rotten-eggs syndrome. And it's especially easy to do because when you're under 18 you have no say and no rights. What do kids need to be out after midnight for? Why do adults need to be out after midnight? It's simply nice to get out of the house. Just as the above stated, this is America, a 17 year old ought to be allowed by the government to take a walk at 2am in they can't sleep and want to clear their head. I'm 20 now and so this wouldn't effect me, but some of the greatest times of my teenage years were spent after midnight in downtown annapolis, simply talking with friends and laughing at the silly drunk adults.... Those who are rotten eggs are not, don't kid yourselves, going to be deterred by a curfew- they'll just go out anyway. Those who try to be law abiding citizens will be the ones who are punished for nothing and in their boredom could very well turn to less wholesome ways to pass the time then simply being out. What can you do when you're stuck at home? Alcohol, drugs? I'm telling all you adults, boredom is what perpetrates bad behavior and when you impose a curfew on kids, you're only punishing the good ones and driving them to do what you're trying to prevent in the first place. Please don't kid yourselves that a curfew is going to solve all of dear old annapolis' problems.
Anon you have a point
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